Christmas in Cyprus

This is a very special holiday for Cypriots/ For many the holiday is preceded by a time of fasting. But on Christmas day we eat souvla which is a traditional barbeque, melomakarona (cookies dipped in honey) and kourambieded (sugary butter cookies). Youngsters sing beautiful carols called ""kalanda" which have been handed down from Byzantine times.

Traditionally, children used to get their presents on New Year's Day and not on Christmas Day, as their "Santa" is Ai-Vasilis, whom they celebrate on the 1st January. Although children still expect Ai Vasilis most children now receive their presents on Christmas.