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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Get to the Latchi Port and hop on Akamas Latchi Blue Lagoon Boat Trip – Mediterranean One for the first adventure of the day! Book your place beforehand as the demand is quite high during July and August! The cost for the cruise is around €15 for adults and €5 for kids and include various stops such as Bath of Aphrodite, St. George Island, Plaji Bay (Ancient Theatre), Manolis Sea Caves, Blue Lagoon, Fontana Amorosa and Cape Arnaout.

The cruise starts at 10.30 and returns back in the port at 13.30, just in time for lunch. The beautiful cruise stops guarantee an unforgettable experience with long lasting memories.

When you leave the port head to Periyiali Restaurant, 3 minutes drive, to satisfy your hunger with fresh fish and a variety of gastronomic courses!

What is amazing with Periyiali Restaurant, is the combination of amazing food with the best views of the area as the restaurant is located literally on the beach at Chrysochou Bay.

Finish your lunch and head to Island Beach Bar just a minute away from Periyiali Restaurant!

Island Beach Bar is ideal for your afternoon dive, cold coffees and refreshing cocktails while enjoying the beautiful sunset ?

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By Anna Cortesi

You’ve read countless tips for glowing skin in magazines, blogs and brochures.

You’ve dabbed toothpaste on zits, tried cleansing pads that stung, spent a fortune on wrinkle creams, used miracle oil made from special pearls, exfoliated until you were raw, buffed massaged, and polished your cheeks, and have done embarrassing face exercises, all in the name of a younger, firmer, clearer face.

Irony is that all of us generally overlook the easiest, safest, most effective and cheapest forms of treatment which is consuming healthy foods. Healthy foods nourish your body from the inside; in order to help your skin glow on the outside. The right combinations of fruits, vegetables and vitamin rich foods can protect your skin from the damages of not just aging but also the environment. Of course, genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors play a pivotal role but diet intake is the key for healthy skin.

Here is the key for glowing skin:

1) Vitamin A
Vitamin A stimulates the production of new skin cells without it the skin would become super dry. Eating a diet that includes a wide range of foods high in vitamin A is a good way to support skin health.

What foods are rich in Vitamin A?
Salmon, beef liver, milk, eggs, fish, cod liver oil, shrimps, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, leafy green vegetables, mangoes, apricots and plums.

2) Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and can neutralize free radicals, helping the skin to fight against oxidative stress-induced damage. It can also help improve and fight against pigment disorders and inflammation.

What foods are rich in Vitamin C?
Blackcurrants, oranges, berries, guava, kiwis, broccoli, papaya, lemons, strawberries and sweet potatoes.

3) Vitamin E
Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, which can help protect against premature ageing and wrinkles as well as improve the appearance of scars and imperfections.

What foods are rich in Vitamin E?
Wheat germ, sunflower, safflower, corn, soybean oils, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, broccoli and fortified breakfast cereals.

4) Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that helps maintain the health of your largest organ: your skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, zinc is especially beneficial for inflammatory acne and related scarring. Therefore, it is used in skin damage repair.

What foods are rich in Zinc?
Beans, dairy products, fortified cereals, nuts, oysters, poultry, red meat and whole grains.

5) Selenium
Selenium ensures that the skin remains firm and protected. It stops free radical damage before premature wrinkles have a chance to form and helps protect cell membranes against UV damage, inflammation and pigmentation.

What foods are rich in Selenium?
Crab, salmon, tuna, prawns, turkey, chicken, brown rice, lentils, peas and potatoes.

6) Omega 3

Fatty acids Omega-3 fats help reduce inflammation, which can cause redness and acne. They can even make your skin less sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Omega 3 fatty acids keep skin thick, supple and moisturized
What foods are rich in Omega 3?
Salmon, mackerel, herring, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseed oil, soybean oil, canola oil.

Remember it is important to keep realistic expectations as overnight miracles are not possible. It usually takes 1-2 months for new skin to emerge and for visible results to show. I hope this article was useful and motivated you to change your diet, leaving you with better looking skin!

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Newspaper I Simerini, made an extensive dedication to a beautiful summer destination, Paphos, revealing their hidden treasures.

Shipwrecks in Chloraka and Pegeia

On the way to the Sea Caves in Pegeia, starting from Paphos, the visitor will meet two shipwrecks. Dimitrios II and EDRO 3. The first ran aground on land in the sea of ​​Chloraka 20 years ago and is a reference point for locals and foreigners. The hollow frame, photographed thousands of times, creates unique images for the photography lovers, especially in the sunset.

A few kilometers down, you will see the EDRO 3 which is there since December 2011. A reference point and attraction for visitors from all over Cyprus since the first moment. There is no profile of someone in Cyprus who loves to travel and is crazy about photos that does not have a photo of EDRO 3, especially during sunset, with the background of a ship under the flag of Sierra Leone.

2017- constantinosyenis

The waterfall of Kritou Terra and the Limniospilios of Kallepia

it has been the end destination for many travellers who arrive in Kritou Terra to visit the unique spectacle of Nature for the two years. Of course, last year we also had a period where the area was closed after the Community Council decided to protect the area from excessive traffic which could be dangerous.

This year, a new masterpiece of Nature, the Limniospilios in Kallepia came to add another point of interest to the many Paphos has to demonstrate. It is a cave immersed in a small lake surrounded by wild vegetation and is an impressive image for lovers of exotic photo frames.

The gorge of Avakas

Timeless value and definitely a unique experience. An area near the beach of Toxeftra that is worth visiting, especially if you are a fan of adventure and hiking.

The sculpted rocks at the point we all have in mind, as the Avaka Gorge, will reward you with a beautiful photo reminiscent of a combination of Jordan Stone and Amazon, in miniature of course.

Baths of Adonis

A private space that one needs approval to enter but definitely once in a lifetime experience everyone must have. Two waterfalls, one about 20 meters and a smaller one well hidden in an exotic wild vegetation compose a landscape worth photographing and posting on your Social Media accounts.

The area of ​​Xamilis or as widely known … Blue Lagoon

The most famous beach in Cyprus for the turquoise color of its waters. Either by land or sea, if you visit the area of ​​Xamili as the locals call it, or Blue Lagoon as most people know it, you will only benefit from your visit. In the first case if you go by boat, you will enjoy all the magic of the area, from Latchi to the Amorosa Fountain. if you go by buggy again you will have the opportunity to visit the Tower of Regina, the Mountain of the Savior but also to see Akamas inland.

Semi-mountain getaways

Finally, if you want to move towards the semi-mountains, a route that you must definitely follow is to Agios Nikolaos to see the Tzielefos Bridge. In the Venetian building, especially during this summer, you will enjoy the fresh crystal-clear water that still flows towards the dam of Arminos and of course you will relax with the birdsong. The route is unique and suitable for groups with motorcycles, given that everyone will be careful.

On the opposite bank, i.e on the parallel side where the dry river is located, it is worth visiting the protected monastery of Panagia Sindi which stands haughtily and dominates the area between Pentalia and Kelokedara since the 16th century.

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It is true that most supermarkets offer unhealthy snacks and fatty foods. Thus, the common perception is that healthy eating is necessarily and very expensive. Although quality products usually cost more than products that do not offer us anything nutritional, there are secrets that will help you save money by buying healthy foods.

Money Saving Secrets

One tip you should follow is to replace certain meals within the week with herbal products. Instead of investing in frequent consumption of meat and fish, you can opt for legumes and lean, vegetable-based and complex carbohydrate foods. Choose simple dishes, enhanced with great taste. Spaghetti with pesto sauce or vegetables in the oven with oregano and olive oil are simple recipes, overflowing with deliciousness and nutrition!

Even when using meat and fish, it is necessary to redefine your portions. The truth is we usually tend to serve larger pieces of meat than the recommended amount. So we need to weigh the portions, which ideally do not exceed 120 grams on each plate. Do not miss the offers available and do not miss the opportunity to be informed about any discounts at organic stores. This way, you will be able to buy quality products at the best prices on the market.

By purchasing bulk products, we achieve the best price and nutrition ratio. In popular markets, we will find great products without packaging. We control these fruits and vegetables, as well as the other products we find in open markets, and we can choose the best for us. When we choose seasonal fruits and vegetables, then we can find them at great prices. If you are worried that you are buying more than what you will consume, consider how you can store them very easily. Put them in individual storage units and freeze them to keep them quality for a long time.

Another way to save money is to make food based on DIY rules. Learn the secrets to making homemade bread and other pastries. This will help you reduce costs substantially while being sure of the ingredients used in their production. Additionally, you can start growing fruits and vegetables at home. Whether in a large garden or on a balcony, there are fruits and vegetables that can thrive and offer you delicious and healthy products.

If you follow these tips, you are sure to reduce the cost of your purchases significantly. With proper planning and attention to detail, you will be able to buy everything at lower prices without compromising on lower quality products. Seasonality and the ability to store food in packages, help the freezer and find new food production techniques at home, reduce meat consumption and replace it with plant-based foods are all a recipe for success in financial markets!

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By Anna Cortesi

Many diseases are due to heredity and so, no matter how we try, we cannot escape the identity of our genes. However, proper nutrition and good health can benefit us and make us face any difficulty.

If you are looking for ways to equip yourself against diseases and the unluckiness of inheritance, focus on increased iron and fiber intake. Iron and fiber can shield us and help us significantly improve our health. It is worth the effort and you will find that it is quite easy to get more iron daily. Let’s see how:

First, we can replace white carbohydrates with whole grains. Although in the beginning this may not serve our usual taste, we will slowly begin to appreciate the natural, full flavor of whole meal products. Choose whole wheat bread instead of white, whole grain and brown rice or spaghetti on the table. Even better, experiment with flaxseed, chia seeds and quinoa, oats and bran. Surprisingly, many of these flavors are delicious!

Then we can adopt the habit of eating an apple a day. The well-known proverb is not very far from the actual truth, since apple contains a great amount of fiber and helps in the proper functioning of our body. Many other fruits, such as pears and figs, contain an equal amount of iron and fiber. Therefore, it is worth trying fruit salads and discovering the most delicious fruits that satisfy your taste buds.

Legumes are an excellent solution for our daily dishes. High in protein and iron, they do not cost much and benefit our body in a variety of ways. If you’re only used to lentils or beans, experiment: try chickpeas and fava beans, make them into a hearty salad instead of soup, and generally try many combinations of legumes mixed with vegetables and grains. You will be amazed by their taste and ability to fill us quickly!

As a snack, we can choose whole meal crackers, seeds or nuts. Another weapon in our hands is popcorn, which supplies us with the a small amount of iron and fiber. At the same time, there are also so many seeds in the market – and these are great as snacks, full of fiber and iron (among other minerals)!

Finally, if we see that we might need more iron in our diet, we can take a natural dietary supplement. Ideally, we should be advised by our physician or dietitian who owns the right knowledge and information about our medical history and specific needs. However, supplement intake is not objectionable. Sometimes it is the best solution to our problem.

Furthermore, if you want to increase the amount of iron and fiber within the day, you now know how to do it! With a few simple secrets and just the right mood, you can easily change your established eating habits over time, and you will definitely be pleased with the result. Enjoy a new, upgraded diet and give your body the weapon it needs in order to cope with every nutritional problem in the best way!

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