May 12, 2019

Guest User

Did you know that Cyprus is the original island of love?

May 12, 2019

Guest User

Cypriot legend claims Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was born and rose from the foam ("afros," in Greek) near a rock off what's now Aphrodite's Beach.

Waves breaking over the rock create pillars of foam that islanders say look just like the goddess herself.

However, the place name in Greek, Petra tou Romiou (Rock of the Greeks), has nothing to do with Aphrodite. It's associated with Greek hero Digenis Akritas, who threw huge rocks at his enemies.

Those that missed landed in the sea -- and became tourist attractions.

Source: CNN Travel

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May 12, 2019

Guest User

Did you know the Byzantine Museum in Nicosia holds the largest collection of Byzantine Art in Cyprus?

May 12, 2019

Guest User

The Byzantine Museum in Lefkosia (Nicosia) within the walls contains the richest and most representative collection of Byzantine art on the island. About 230 icons dating from the 9th to the 19th centuries, as well as other typical examples of the Byzantine art of Cyprus, such as sacred vessels, vestments and books, are on display. The collection includes many icons dating from the 12th century when iconography was at its height. Among the star attractions are the famous 6th century mosaics torn from the church of Kanakaria in the occupied area, sold abroad and later repatriated.

Source: http://www.nicosia.org.cy

May 12, 2019

Guest User

Did you know that they celebrate independence day in Cyprus?

May 12, 2019

Guest User

Cyprus became independent from the British in 1960.

This holiday is always celebrated on 1 October. This holiday commemorates independence from Britain on 1 October 1960.

History of Cypriot Independence Day

Following the end of the Russo-Turkish war in 1878, Cyprus was leased to the British Empire and was formally annexed by Britain at the end of the First World War.

Since the time of Ottoman rule, the concept of 'enosis' - a union with Greece had been an ideal held by many Greek Cypriots.

In April 1955, this ideal became a military aim, with the start of the guerilla campaign of the EOKA (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston) whose aim was unification with Greece through armed struggle.

The campaign against the British lasted for the next four years. A cease fire was reached in August 1960 and Cyprus attained independence after the Zurich and London Agreement between the United Kingdom, Greece and Turkey.

The Republic of Cyprus came into being on 19 August 1960, and on 20 September, Cyprus joined the United Nations, and the British Commonwealth.

On the stroke of midnight on 1 October 1960, the agreement of independence between United Kingdom, Greece and Turkey came into force and the British governor read a British proclamation declaring the independence of Cyprus.

Archbishop Marakios III, the leader of the island's Greek community became the first President of Cyprus.

How is Cypriot Independence Day Celebrated?

Shops and businesses may be closed. The day is marked by festivals and a military parade in the capital, Nicosia. Infantry and mechanised units from the National Guard, Greek Forces in Cyprus and the Police and the Fire Service all participate in the annual parade.

Source: www.officeholidays.com

May 12, 2019

Guest User

Did you know that a rare variety of sheep can only be seen in Cyprus?

May 12, 2019

Guest User

The mouflon are wild sheep and you can see that they are born on cliffs. The mating season begins in October and lasts until the end of November. After that, the male and female form herds, from 10 to around 20 animals, which remain together throughout the winter. When the spring season approaches and it is time for birthing the herds break up and divide into small groups of two or three animals.

The males tend to stay alone. The mouflon give birth in April and May and usually either one or two lambs are born. The mouflon is a very cautious animal and is not easily approached by humans. As the mating season draws near quite violent conflicts, sometimes fatal, occur, between the males who fight like gladiators with their sickle-shaped horns. After the mating season the males return peacefully to their herds with the other males.

The females do not have horns and are smaller and lighter than the males, their weight rarely exceeding 25kg. Their colour is light brown and not particularly bright. The weight of males reaches 35 Kg and they can be as much as a meter high. Their coat in winter becomes heavy and dense, it has a light brown colour, with some light grey in the back. In part of the neck has black hair. In summer the coat changes and becomes lighter in thickness and colour so that they can cope with the heat.

Mouflon are vegetarian and like soft tender shoots, wild berries and the various weeds that grow in shady ravines of the forest

If you want to see a mouflon close-up, you might find this rather difficult because it is a shy animal. If you driving on a dirt road in the woods you will see them spring up and running in the street from fear. They are very supple and fleet-footed. They move very quickly especially when they sense the presence of humans. Mouflon are an attraction for thousands of visitors both from Cyprus and from abroad who visit the Paphos Forests to admire them. The best time to see them, is during the summer in the morning or the afternoon; at noon it is very hot and they resort for relaxation and rest in shady parts of the forest. During winter, because of the weather, they are moving all the time and is easier to see them. There is also a fenced area with mouflon a short distance from the Forest Station of the Cross of Psokas, the heart of Paphos Forest.

Source: Cyprusalive.com

May 12, 2019

Guest User

Did you know Cypriot halloumi is the real deal?

May 12, 2019

Guest User

Halloumi is traditionally made from a mixture unpasteurized goat’s and sheep’s milk, even though it is now made in its commercial version with pasteurized milk and a larger proportion of cow’s rather than goat’s and sheep’s milk. Cow’s milk makes the product cheaper to produce, but affects the taste, texture and behavior of the cheese during cooking (makes it melt faster). Halloumi’s fat content is approximately 25% wet weight, 47% dry weight with about 17% protein.

Halloumi’s most characteristic trait is its high melting point that comes from the fact that it is heated before it is shaped and placed in brine. This allows halloumi to be fried, roasted or grilled until brown without melting, making it one of the most versatile cheeses and ideal for use in cooked recipes. Heating halloumi makes it softer and more elastic with a distinctive squeak when biting into and also makes its flavor saltier and stronger.

Many times you will find halloumi served or packaged with mint, now used to enhance the mild flavor of the cheese. Traditionally, mint leaves were used as preservatives, but it was found that their taste matched the taste of halloumi, so they were kept even after more effective ways to preserve it were discovered.

Many locals also like aged halloumi, which is drier, much harder and much saltier, with a slightly yellowish appearance and a stronger, more intense taste. It is kept in its own brine and can now be found in many stores. In supermarkets you’ll have to ask for aged halloumi at the delicatessen section as it won’t be available on the shelves with other commercial cheeses.

Source: www.cyprus.com

May 12, 2019

Dave Kasper

Did you know that Cyprus is divided into two parts?

May 12, 2019

Dave Kasper

The island country is divided into two parts. The North and the South. The northern part is called the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” while the southern part is called the “Independent Republic of Cyprus” or the “Greek Cyprus.”

Source: thefactlife

May 12, 2019

Dave Kasper

Did you know that carnival in Cyprus is a Dionysian blend?

May 12, 2019

Dave Kasper

Ten or twelve days before the Easter Lent, Cyprus residents dress up in colourful costumes and masks to celebrate the Carnival. The biggest and most well-organized event takes place in Limassol, where each year the municipality handles the administration of the celebration.

The heritage of the Carnival goes back to ancient Greece with a festival honouring Dionysus, the god of wine and fun. The first week, or Meat week, starts with the arrival of the King of Carnival into the city, accompanied with serenades, music, and dancing children. The second week, or Cheese week, symbolises the forthcoming lent, so no meat and only dairy products are consumed. On the last day, the Grand Carnival Parade invigorates the whole city, as thousands of dressed people in masks and bright costumes follow the King of Carnival to watch the floats on the sea and receive a good luck blessing from the King.

Source: www.rove.me

May 12, 2019

Guest User

Did you know that Cyprus receives sunshine for more than 300 days a year?

May 12, 2019

Guest User

Cyprus is known for its sunshine! It receives sunshine for from 300 to 340 days during a year, which is nearly double the amount received in Britain.

In winter average temperature is 13-15 °C, and in summer it is 30-33 °C. Cyprus climate is considered to be one of the healthiest in the world.

Source: thefactfile