Larnaca: Cypriots are celebrating the Kataklysmos Festival, which marks the 50th day after Easter and coincides with Pentecost. The celebration is traditionally associated with water and is mainly observed through events organized by coastal municipalities, culminating today, even amid a period of drought.
According to Cyprus News Agency, many customs accompany this celebration in Cyprus, dating back to ancient times and linked to the Biblical story of Noah’s Flood. The festival also once had a strong commercial character. Traditionally, the festivities include songs, dances, games, and “tsiatista,” along with traditional treats like loukoumades and “porika,” comprising nuts and soutzoukos. These items are sold from makeshift stalls, and many of these customs have survived to this day.
In recent years, the Flood Festival has expanded to include large concerts and other cultural events, organized by local authorities in each seaside area. Until 1974, the most famous festival took place in Famagusta. In Larnaca, it has been officially institutionalized since 1918, although it was celebrated long before that with seaside celebrations. The festivities in Famagusta were held at ‘Glossa’ but have since moved to Paralimni (Protaras) and Ayia Napa after the 1974 occupation. In Larnaca, events are held at Phinikoudes beach, and celebrations also took place in Kyrenia until 1974. Limassol is also well known for its Flood Festival.