Cypriots are celebrating Kataklysmos this Monday- a unique public holiday deeply rooted in both Christian tradition and local folklore. The name comes from the Greek word kataklysmos, meaning “flood”, and the celebration coincides with Pentecost, marking the fiftieth day after Easter.
Although the festival is officially linked to the Christian Feast of the Holy Spirit, its themes and customs also reflect much older traditions, blending biblical stories with ancient cultural rites- most notably, the story of Noah’s Flood. In Cyprus, the Holy Spirit’s association with water has given the festival its distinct flavour, celebrated with playful water rituals and seaside gatherings.
Even in 2025, amid a prolonged drought, water remains at the heart of the festival, as communities honour the symbolic role of purification, renewal, and blessing.
A festival steeped in tradition
Kataklysmos is most vibrantly celebrated in coastal towns and cities across Cyprus, with Larnaca, Limassol, Paralimni, and Ayia Napa hosting some of the largest and most elaborate events. While the festivities officially culminate on Monday, celebrations often begin days in advance, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
At the core of the celebration are music, dance, and oral poetry, including the traditional tsiatista, a form of spontaneous, witty poetic duelling between two performers. These light-hearted exchanges are often humorous and deeply Cypriot in character, offering both entertainment and a glimpse into the island’s folk creativity.
Traditional foods and sweets are also central to the festivities. Popular treats include loukoumades (fried dough balls in syrup), porika (a mix of roasted nuts), and soutzoukos, a chewy sweet made from grape must and nuts, often resembling a wax candle in shape. These are sold from makeshift stalls lining the promenades and beachfronts.
Over time, Kataklysmos has evolved to include large-scale concerts, cultural exhibitions, and modern entertainment, drawing both locals and tourists alike.
A festival with history and resilience
Kataklysmos has long been associated with Famagusta, where some of the most iconic celebrations were held at a coastal area known as Glossa. However, after the city fell under Turkish occupation in 1974, festivities were relocated to other areas, particularly Protaras and Ayia Napa in the Famagusta district.
Larnaca, too, holds a rich legacy of Kataklysmos. The first official celebration by the municipality took place in 1918, although historical sources suggest the tradition predates that, likely extending back to the 19th century or earlier. Events in Larnaca are centred on the Phinikoudes promenade, where thousands gather to enjoy music, street food, and festivities by the sea.
Until 1974, Kyrenia also hosted its own version of the festival, while Limassol remains known for its strong Kataklysmos traditions.
