Event: Cyprus - Larnaca

Pentecost-Kataklysmos

When:	13 - 18 Jun 2008 (annual)
Where:	Palm Trees Promenade
Costs:	Free
Opening Hours:	8pm (6pm Wed)

The Christian feast of Pentecost is known as Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood) and is celebrated all over the island of Cyprus. In Larnaca, the seafront promenade comes alive with fairs, boat races, music, dance, poetry and theatre.

Pentecost, which takes place 50 days after Easter, is the Day of the Holy Ghost. In Cyprus, the tradition of visiting the water on Pentecost is thought to have derived from the ancient veneration of Aphrodite. The goddess of love is believed to have been born at Petra tou Romiou, a series of rock formations just off the south coast of Cyprus, so festivals which honoured her would almost certainly have taken place beside the sea.

All sorts of competitions take place during the six days, including wrestling, canoe races and swimming races, while those on land indulge in some old-fashioned dancing and singing. By the evenings, the town is in full fair mode with delicious local food such as sousouko and loukoumades, washed down with the traditional Cypriot wine, Commandaria.

Please note that other towns may celebrate this event on different days.