Ice-cream is the undisputed king of summertime treats. Everyone loves it, whether young or old, men or women. It’s cold, it’s refreshing, and most importantly, it’s delicious!

In essence, ice cream is the frozen dessert, which is usually made from cream and milk.

Milk-free ice cream is called granita and usually covers fruit flavors such as lemon or apricot.

The meaning of the word “ice cream” varies from country to country.

However, to separate different varieties and types of ice cream, terms such as: frozen yogurt, sorbet and gelato are used.

The most widespread view of the origin of ice cream is that of Chinese origin, that is, the ice cream is made specifically from Himalayan snows and cream of rice flour, milk and honey.

Many times, ice creams are decorated with various ingredients such as fruit, whipped cream, pies, chocolate or colored truffles, cookies or even syrup, it can be chocolate, strawberry, caramel and cherry or others.

Bulk ice creams, with which the customer can make flavor combinations, are served in a cone, cup or wide glass and are consumed with special ice cream spoons that have a long body.

Ice cream can also be served in balls as an accompaniment to crepes or pies (mainly apple pie) but also to syrupy sweets (such as baklava or kadaifi). Also, there are packaged ice creams on a stick and ice cream sandwiches.

Although today there are ice cream shops, few have “survived”. They work either in a bicycle-cart or in a van, which transports the refrigerator that keeps the ice cream. There are also ice cream parlors that have a permanent place to sell their ice creams.

The most common ice cream flavors are:

• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Banana
• Cream or Vanilla

There are many others such as:

• Watermelon
• Melon
• Hazel
• Apricot
• Peach
• Nectarine
• Soldier
• Tiramisu
• Mocha
• Lemon
• Rum
• Mint
• Oreo cookies
• Bueno

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The custom of “Flauna” dates back to the 19th century and according to tradition was made on Holy Saturday and then transported to churches and consumed after the Resurrection. Nowadays, housewives usually make them on Maundy Thursday.

“Flaunes” is a food which in ancient times and even today, was used for the transition of believers from fasting to the consumption of non-fasting foods, without the risk of various stomach disorders.

The main ingredient of the traditional “Flauna” is the special cheese for flauna and eggs. The classic flauna contains cheese and halloumi. In recent years, however, many have shown a particular preference for anari, because it is a healthier choice and the process of preparing the dough is less time consuming.

The process of making the flauna starts from the previous day, with the grating of the cheeses to become the famous “foukos” or “fokos” or “foutzia”, in simpler words the filling. Then add the eggs, the yeast, the semolina to the cheese and mix them. They also add various scents (mahlep, mint, cinnamon, mastic) and raisins to the seal for a sweeter taste. The housewives leave the seal all night to “enter”, ie to inflate.

The next day the dough is prepared for the flauna leaf, after first the yeast has been shaken (regenerated) from the previous night. in small pies, it is filled with the seal and the edges of the pie are folded on the sides. Its shape varies from square, triangle or even round. After the preparation process is over, the final step is the baking of the flauns. The housewives place the flauns on plates or traditional chests and bake them either in their neighborhood oven or in a wood oven.

However, in some villages of Paphos, the so-called “Paskies” are prepared, which are slightly different from the other flauns. Paskies are round flaunes, about the size of a palm, and are stuffed with pieces of meat, usually fried with spices.

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Tsiknopempti or Smoking Thursday is the Thursday of the week of Kreatini.

On this day, it is customary in all the houses of Cyprus and Greece to grill meat and eat meat, grilled or in a pan, from where the strong smell of gum emerges in the air.From ancient times the Christians used to make meat tables. In order to have meat, in ancient times they had to slaughter an animal.

The only day that was opportune was Thursday, since Wednesday and Friday of this week there is a strict fast.

Tsiknopempti is also a popular day for going out to eat and enjoying as many different meats as possible.

Be sure to reserve a table ahead of time as restaurants and traditional taverns are typically fully booked!

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Winter is the season of soup and the Hot soup is an indispensable dish that allows not only to get enough, but also to warm up, and such a desire often arises in the winter, even in Cyprus.

So, draw the curtains, light the fire and ready the stove for some of our favourite winter soup recipes.

Trahana Soup

Trahana is a creamy soup made from goat’s cheese, chicken broth, wheat groats and lemon juice. Its preparation method is quite unusual as it is made solid, and then prepared with boiling water when needed. Trahana is usually served with yoghurt and grated Halloumi cheese.

Avgolemono Soup

This rich and creamy soup is made with chicken broth, egg yolks and rice. It’s a filling dish, perfect if you’re feeling particularly hungry. Avgolemono is sometimes also used as a sauce to accompany dishes such as pork or vegetables, so it’s particularly versatile, however, when in Cyprus, you’ll generally find it served up as a stand-alone dish.

Hortosupa Soup

If you’re looking for a healthy soup, that also packs a flavour punch, then opt for Hortosupa soup. Full of fresh local vegetables, with a little rice, tomatoes, potatoes and meat or chicken broth, it’s a simple soup that is just perfect on a winter’s day.

Louvana soup 

Louvana is a traditional Cypriot soup, It’s a delicious, nutritious, vegan and very easy to make. ‘Louvana’ are small, yellow split peas high in protein and low in fat. Great soup especially when is very cold! Give it a go.

Soup Fakes

Fakes is a Greek vegetarian lentil soup that is quick and easy to prepare and warms well in the fall and winter days. To make the soup more nutritious and aromatic, when cooking, instead of water, you can use meat broth.

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Vasilopita pronounced vah-see-LO-pee-tah, is the Greek lucky new year’s cake or bread served at midnight on New Year’s Eve, to celebrate the life of Saint Basil.

After baking the Vasilopita cake, a coin is inserted through the base.

When cut, the person who finds the coin is said to be granted luck for the rest of the year!

So just before 24:00 exactly at midnight, when the change of the year is about to take place, the lights go out and counting down from ten to one and immediately after, everyone wakes up again wishing and happy birthday and a happy new year with the spectacle fireworks in the sky.

Vasilopita enters the table where the householder, after crossing it with the knife, says three times: Happy Birthday and of the Year! and begins to cut it with the first piece of Christ, the Virgin, the House, the Housewife, the Housewife, the Poor, St. Basil, etc. Then begins the feast with songs and dances (New Year’s Eve).

Finally, Vasilopita is often traditionally cut and served in businesses and associations, usually during the first week of the year as a token to welcome the new year with health and prosperity.

And of course, the member or employee that finds the coin is given money or a special gift!

Happy New Year and Happy New Year!

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The Coca-Cola Christmas truck made its appearance in 1995 and to this day has given life to the magic of Christmas to millions of consumers around the world!

From the 4th to the 24th of December, the iconic Coca-Cola truck will pass through its journey from Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos, offering joy and gifts to young and old! It will visit the main streets of each city and will park in large supermarkets and Malls, inviting consumers to be photographed with Santa Claus and his elves!

The dates and times of the visit of the Coca-Cola Christmas truck are presented below:

4/12/21 Larnaca: Ioannides Supermarket, Metropolis Mall 17:00-18:30

5/12/21 Limassol: Sklavenitis Kato Polemidia 17:00-18:30

6/12/21 Nicosia: On the road (Engomi, Aglatzia, Latsia, Center of Nicosia) 17:30-20:00

7/12/21 Nicosia: Papantoniou Engomi 17:00-19:00

8/12/21 Nicosia: Alpha Mega Engomi 17:00-18:30

11/12/21 Paphos: Papantoniou Greece 17:00-19:00

12/12/21 Limassol: Sklavenitis Columbia 17:00-18:30

14/12/21 Nicosia: Papantoniou Engomis 17:00-19:00

15/12/21 Larnaca: Alpha Mega Larnaca 17:00-18:30

16/12/21 Paphos: Alpha Mega Paphos 17:00-18:30

18/12/21 Nicosia: THINK 30 Stasikratous, Lakatameia Metro 16:00-17:00/ 18:00-19:30

19/12/21 Limassol: Alpha Mega Capsalos 17:00-18:30

20/12/21 Larnaca: Larnaca Metro 17:00-18:30

21/12/21 Paphos: Garden of Eden (TSAKARIAS) 17:00-18:30

22/12/21 Limassol: Papantoniou Ύψωνας 17:00-19:00

23/12/21 Nicosia: Mall Lakatameias / Athienitis 16:30-18:00

23/12/21 Nicosia Makariou Avenue Nicosia 19: 0-20:30

24/12/21 Nicosia: Neo Plaza 15:00 – 16:30

24/12/21 Nicosia: Makariou Avenue Nicosia 18:00-19:00

In the stories of the Coca-Cola HBC Cyprus page on Facebook and Instagram you can follow the journey of the Christmas truck and send your photos! Look for it in the streets of Cyprus and share the optimism and joy!

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On December 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31, 2021, Santa Claus will be on the city streets on a motorcycle from the Nicosia Museum of Historic Motorcycles.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021- Makariou Avenue (outside the City Plaza)

• 15:00 – 15:30 Christmas program by the String Orchestra of the European Conservatory
• 15:30 – 16:00 Christmas carols by the European Conservatory Choir
• 16:30 – 17:00 Dance presentation by Olariu Dance Academy
• 17:30 – 18:30 Christmas presentation by the Cyprus Police Philharmonic
• 19:00 – 20:00 Dance by System D-7 Dance Studio

Wednesday, December 22, 2021 in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)

• 18:15 – 18:45 Christmas program by the Symphony Band of the Municipality of Strovolos – European University of Cyprus
• 19:00 – 20:00 Christmas carols from Musicopolis Music School

Thursday, December 23, 2021

• 16:00 – 16:30 Open presentation by the Music and Theater Workshop Maria Chrysostomou in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)
• 16:30 Street theater by Clown Kapello on Stasikratous Street
• 17:00 – 17:30 Dance by E-Motion Dance on Stasikratous Street
• 18:00 Christmas carols by the Children’s Choir of the Municipality of Nicosia on Stasikratous Street
• 18:15 Christmas carols by the Adult Choir of the Municipality of Nicosia on Stasikratous Street
• 18:30 – 18:45 Christmas carols by the Children’s Choir of the Municipality of Aglatzia on Stasikratous Street
• 19.30 – 20.30 Santa Claus with the Coca Cola Bus on Makariou Avenue
• 19:30 – 20:30 Dance by the System D-7 Dance Studio team on Stasikratous Street
• 18:30 – 18:45 Christmas Melodies by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Pancyprian High School on Ledra, Faneromeni, Onassagorou streets

Friday 24 December 2021

• 12:00 – 13:30 Music trip with Christmas aroma on Makariou Avenue (outside City Plaza)
• 16:00 – 16:30 Open presentation by the Music and Theater Workshop Maria Chrysostomou in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)
• 17:00 – 20:00 Dance action by the Dance Group i Tango on Stasikratous Street
• 18.30 – 19.30 Santa Claus with the Coca-Cola Bus on Makariou Avenue

Sunday, December 26, 2021

• 9:30 Santa Clauses run and walk in the city singing – Santa Run by RuNicosia – start from the Hotel Cleopatra and the APOEL Club
• 12:00 Finish of Santa Run on Makariou Avenue (outside City Plaza) with an Unplugged concert
• 16:00 – 16:30 Christmas carols from the Wind Quartet in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)
• 17:00 – 17:20 Demonstration by the Rhythmic Gymnastics Association Melissanidis in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)
• 17:30 – 18:00 Zumba kids and Kangoo kids street dance by Marianna Dance and Fitness Studio in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)
• 18:00 – 18:30 Zumba adults and Kangoo adults street dance by Marianna Dance and Fitness Studio in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)
• 21:00 – 21:15 Dance from the Dance School on Silk – Aerial Silk Performance on Makariou Avenue (outside City Plaza)

Monday 27 December 2021

• 12:00 – 12:30 Street music from the Wind Quartet in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)
• 16:00 – 16:30 Christmas carols by the Choir of the A Piacere Conservatory in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)

Tuesday 28 December 2021

• 16:00 Christmas carols by the Charisma Choir in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)
• 17:00 Christmas carols by the Municipality of Kythrea Choir in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)
• 18:00 – 18:25 String Orchestra of the Municipality of Strovolos on Makariou Street (outside the City Plaza)
• 18:30 – 18:50 I sing for a purpose with the Choir Small Volunteers of the Municipality of Strovolos on Makariou Street (outside the City Plaza)
• 19:00 – 19:20 Christmas Melodies by Music Moments Accordion Band

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

• 10:00 – 21:00 Christmas activities to inform young people and the public about European programs from the Center of Social Innovation in Eleftherias Square (under the bridge)
• 17:00 – 17:10 Salsa Duet street dance by Dance Motion at the opening of the Ledra-Onassagorou sidewalks
• 18:00 Street dance from Bailando Dance School, at the opening of the sidewalks Ledra – Onassagorou

Thursday, December 30, 2021

• 12:00 – 13:00 Musical-theatrical Event “The Little Child” by Irena Avraamidou in Faneromeni Square

Friday 31 December 2021

• 11:00 – 12:30 Christmas carols by the band The Rest on Makariou Avenue (outside City Plaza)

Sunday, January 2, 2022

• 17:00 – 17:20 Demonstration

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Agros, Kyperounta, Platres, Kalopanagiotis and Kakopetria will be decorated and illuminated festively, in the spirit of the days under the melodies of Christmas.

The scope of the Ministry of Tourism is to offer an authentic experience to all local and foreign visitors, by keeping the local character of our mountainous areas.

Houses with local products and handicrafts for sale, wine gastronomy shops, nature activities, such as walking or cycling in nature paths, village tours and other surprises will complete the Christmas atmosphere.

Restaurants and accommodations in those areas, will follow the festive spirit by offering a festive menu and breakfast.

The Christmas villages will operate from December 10^th, 2021 until January 6^th, 2022

The Ministry of Tourism emphasizes that all Christmas villages will operate according to the health protocols of the Ministry of Health.

Opening Hours: 11:00 – 16:00 on weekdays and

11:00 – 18:00 on weekends

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One Of the most popular tradition games is a “Secret Santa”, where people anonymously gift each other, as an act of love and rejoice.

Secret Santa is primarily a Western tradition. A philanthropist named Larry Dean Stewart is thought to be the “original Secret Santa”, who came up with the idea of giving anonymous gifts during the holidays.

For more than 25 years, Stewart secretly donated $100 bills to people in Kansas, according to USA TODAY. He also donated $25,000 in the form of $100 bills to New Yorkers after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It wasn’t until 2006 that Stewart came out as the “Secret Santa” everyone had been wondering about for so long.

If you’ve played Secret Santa before, you know the drill: A group of people are assigned to buy a gift for another person anonymously. The game is named like so because the gift receivers have no idea who their “secret Santa” is.

Oftentimes, secret Santas will draw names out of a hat to determine who they need to buy a gift for. In many versions of the game, people try to guess who their secret Santa is after they’ve opened their gift.

The idea of starting Secret Santa in the workplace has been a very good decision as it brings some excitement amidst daily hoards of work.

Everyone can write their names on a random sheet of paper and people can pick up any random name, all the while keeping it a secret. There are Secret Santa generators as well that automate and generate a name among your colleagues to gift.

Many companies, Indian firms, MNCs have embraced this Western tradition because it is a great way to initiate bonding between employees and the company.

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It’s the only chapel dedicated to lovers.

The “Church of Love” is the only chapel in Cyprus and around the world, which is dedicated to the “Virgin of Love”.

It is a beautiful church dedicated to lovers, which is located near the village of Vavla, in the province of Larnaca.

The Church of Love was built in 1935 and its icon was painted in the 16th century. 75 years ago, the image was stolen by unknown priestly thieves, who wanted to take it abroad.

In this little church, according to tradition, the man or woman who wants to fall in love with the one he loves or does not find the expected response, then goes to the little church.

There is the sacred soil of the Virgin Mary, which is located under a marble, behind the Holy Table, in the Virgin Mary of Love. Then he must take a small amount of the sacred soil, which the interested person should throw in the water or coffee that the person who wants to fall in love with will drink and then he will feel the eternal love, for the person who gave it to him. .

They also say that if you visit it with your partner it will seal your love and you will stay in love forever.

On the outside of the church there is a tree, on which are engraved various initially in love people, while inside the church there are photos of couples, heart-shaped candles and written dozens of vows of eternal love.

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