Cyprus is an island in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, and the legendary birthplace of the goddess of beauty and love, Aphrodite (Kypris in Cyprian). The goddess was said to have emerged fully grown from a foaming sea, and ancient portraits depict her posing on a giant scallop.
The goddess is recognised nowadays by “Anthestiria” or spring flower festivals, which celebrate spring and the rebirth of nature. Parades of people carry fresh flowers in the south west city of Paphos, where Aphrodite is said to have first landed. The city is appropriate for the festival as it is surrounded by some of Cyprus’s most beautiful rivers and forests, in particular, the Diarizos River Valley, which supports the biggest population of long-legged buzzard in the country and is also an important breeding area for Griffon vulture.
Anthestiria festivities date back to ancient times, when they celebrated deities using plants and flowers in recognition of the cycle of the seasons, and their importance to man. Before the Greek religion was introduced to Cyprus from Syria (and possibly Phoenicia), local Cypriots may have worshipped a fertility goddess in a cult that was influenced by Aegen and Eastern religions.
Explore the island of love and beauty in the Eastern Mediterranean, where festivals are hosted to celebrate nature. Book cheap flights to Cyprus, take part in these festivals and learn about ancient Cyprian religions.
Posted in the Balloon World Blog
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