Nicosia: Crowds across Cyprus marked the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Saturday, with worshippers attending church services and traditional celebrations, while many others headed to mountain areas, filling several picnic sites and causing heavy traffic on roads leading from Troodos. According to Cyprus News Agency, police reported increased traffic on the Troodos-Nicosia road, particularly near Astromeritis, Peristerona, and Akaki, as well as on the Troodos-Limassol road. Drivers were urged to remain patient, keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead, and follow the instructions of traffic police. Many people chose to spend the August 15 holiday in mountain and semi-mountainous areas. According to the Forestry Department, several picnic sites had reached full capacity by 12:30 on Saturday, including Trooditissa, Mavralis, Agioi Anargyroi, and Agios Nikandros. Other popular sites were also close to capacity, with Platania at 95%, Agia Paraskevi and Xerarkaka at 80%, and Mandra tou Kampiou also at 80%. At the same time, hundreds of worshippers attended churches and monasteries dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as Cyprus celebrated one of the most important feasts in the Orthodox Christian calendar, widely known as the 'Easter of the Summer'. In Paphos district, large numbers of worshippers gathered at Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery and Agios Neophytos Monastery, where religious services and processions were held. The religious celebrations have traditionally been closely linked with village fairs and community gatherings. Tradition researcher Anna Tselepou told CNA that August 15 festivities have long combined religious observance with music, dancing, food, and social gatherings. She said traditional fairs have gradually evolved into festivals and community celebrations but remain an important part of cultural and social life, particularly in villages across Paphos district, bringing together residents, visitors, and Cypriots returning to their communities for the holiday. The custom of preparing and offering handm ade loaves of bread at churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary also remains alive, reflecting the close link between religious faith, family life, and community tradition.