Epiphany

Epiphany, or Theophany, is a significant Christian feast that commemorates the revelation of God in the form of Jesus Christ. In Cyprus, this holiday is celebrated on January 6, which also marks the conclusion of the Christmas season.

The day is recognized as a public holiday, during which many businesses and government offices remain closed.

The significance of Epiphany for Christians is profound, as it symbolizes the manifestation of Christ to the world. In Cyprus, the holiday is entrenched in local customs and traditions, reinforcing the cultural and religious identity of the Greek Cypriot community.

On Epiphany, many Cypriots engage in cultural and religious activities, such as attending church services. A notable event during these services is the Great Blessing of the Waters, an important religious ceremony.

Traditional processions take place across the country, where participants gather to witness and take part in various rituals. A culturally significant custom is the diving for the cross, where a wooden cross is cast into the water, and the first individual to retrieve it is bestowed with blessings.