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| Cyprus
Social Profile |
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Food &
Drink
The major resorts have bars and restaurants of every category.
At larger hotels, the indigenous cuisine tends to have an ‘international
flavour’ although authentic local dishes may also
be available. All over Cyprus there are restaurants offering genuine
Cypriot food. Charcoal-grilled meat
is very popular, as is seafood. Dishes include
kebabs (pieces of lamb or other meat skewered and
roasted over a charcoal fire), dolmades (vine leaves
stuffed with minced meat and rice) and tava (a
tasty stew of meat, herbs and onions). A good way to enjoy Cypriot
food is by ordering mezze (snacks), a large selection
of a number of different local dishes. However, the cuisine varies
according to whether the visitor eats in the North
or the Republic of Cyprus. Fresh fruit is plentiful
and very cheap, and very sweet desserts such as baklava
are widely available. Waiter service is normal and counter service
is common in many bars.
There are no licensing hours in Cyprus. The country produces excellent
wines, spirits and beer which can only be bought in the south of
Cyprus. Coffee is Greek-style (short, strong and unfiltered), though
cappuccino is available in many restaurants and bars. Traditional
English tea can also be bought everywhere. The highlight of the
wine year is the annual wine festival in Limassol,
usually held in September, when free wine flows and local food is
available.
Shopping
Cypriot purchases include handmade lace, woven curtains
and tablecloths, silks, basket work, pottery,
silverware and leather goods.
Jewellery is an art which has been practised in Cyprus since the
Mycenean period with craftspeople working in contemporary
and traditional styles produce some very fine pieces. Silver
spoons and forks are a traditional symbol
of Cypriot hospitality. Lefkara lace is very famous
throughout the world as one of the products most closely associated
with Cypriot workmanship and the name originates from the village
Lefkara, situated on a hill on the Nicosia–Limassol
road. Other products include the simple baskets which have been
made on the island for many years, leather goods and pottery.
The local wines and brandy also
make excellent purchases. Imported goods sell at competitive prices,
including cameras, perfume, porcelain, crystal
and, of course, the finest English fabrics. Shirts
made to measure or ready to wear can be found at very reasonable
prices.
Shopping hours
Opening hours are 0800-1300 hrs and 1600-1930 hrs (in the summer,
or until 1900 hrs spring and autumn), 0800-1300 hrs and 1430-1800
hrs (winter). On Fridays, shops are generally open until 2000/2030
hrs.
Shops are closed Wednesday and Saturday after 1400 hrs as well as
all day Sunday.
Special Events
The following is a selection of special events occurring in Cyprus
in 2005: |
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January 24th-25th |
Agios Neofytos Days,
(traditional festival) Paphos. |
| February 16th |
Carnival Monday, Larnaca |
| February 25th-27th
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28th Troodos International Skie
Competition. |
| March 3rd-13th |
Apokreo & Limassol Carnivals.
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| March 14th |
Green Monday |
| March 25th |
Greek National Day celebrations. |
| April 1st |
Greek-Cypriot National Day |
| April 15th-17th |
4th Cyprus Amateur Open Championships |
| April 25th-30th |
Greek Orthodox Easter. |
| May 14th-15th |
Anthesteria Flower Festival |
| June 5th |
11th Children's Festival, Agia
Napa. |
| June 17th-22nd |
Pentecost-Kataklysmos Fair (Flood
Festival) |
| July 1st-31st |
Larnaka International Festival. |
| August |
Ancient Greek Drama Festival, Pafos. |
| August 14th-15th |
Assumption Day celebrations |
| August 30th-September
11th |
Wine Festival, Lemesos |
| September 23rd |
Autumn Equinox, Limassol. |
| September 27th |
World Tourism Day |
| October 28th |
Greek National Day celebrations |
| December |
Christmas Festivities. |
| December 21st-24th |
Re-enactment of Christ’s
Birth, Paphos. |
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Note
In addition to the events listed above, a number of saints’
days based on the Greek Orthodox Church are celebrated
throughout the year. For a complete list of events and saints’
days, contact the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (see
Contact section).
Social
Conventions
Respect should be shown for the various religious beliefs. Those
visitors who leave the confines of their hotel and beach to explore
Cyprus will find a warm reception waiting for them in the villages.
It is customary to shake hands and other normal
courtesies should be observed. It is viewed as impolite
to refuse an offer of Greek coffee or cold drink. It is acceptable
to bring a small gift of wine or confectionery,
particularly when invited for dinner or lunch.
For most occasions, casual dress is acceptable. Beachwear should
be confined to the beach or to the poolside. More formal wear is
required for business and in more exclusive dining
rooms, social functions, etc.
Photography
Photography is forbidden near military camps or
installations. A licence from the appropriate
authorities is required to photograph museum artefacts
- this can sometimes be purchased from the museum’s ticket
desk.
No flash photography is allowed
in churches with murals or icons.
Tipping
A service charge is added to all bills, but tipping
is still acceptable and remains at the discretion of the individual. |
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