In May Cypriots celebrate the spring’s return and nature’s beauty in spring with Anthestiria, or Flower Festival. Anthestiria is inspired by the ancient festival that was held in Athens in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility. Anthestiria was also the carnivals of souls, plants and flowers to celebrate the re-birth of man and nature.
Nowadays the Anthestiria Festivals in Cyprus have a similar theme to that in the ancient times. The word Anthestiria comes from the Greek word anthos that means “flower”. Flower festivals are organized in many cities and villages. The event features exhibitions, flower markets and shows. The main focus of Anthestiria is the flower parade with beautifully decorated floats and pedestrians carrying flowers.
In Limassol the Anthestiria events are usually held in the center of the tourist area of Yermasoyia. In Paphos the main venue is the coastal avenue as far as the old harbor of Kato Paphos, and in Larnaka the seafront promenade from where the visitor can watch the flower parade.
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