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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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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The visitors will be treated with freshly made palouze, they will have the opportunity to watch it being made, see how zivania is distilled and chech out some more traditional activities of the people in the village. .

Food and drinks will be offered along with traditional music and dances to all guests.

In the framework of the Festival, the process of preparing the traditional delicacy will be shown, while there will be live traditional music and other traditional sweets offered.
The Festival marks the completion of the summer events in the village.

The grape jelly or Palouze is a wonderfully and delicious traditional Cypriot dessert that takes advantage of the glut of grapes grown in the winemaking villages of the island.The traditional way of making palouzes is by mixing 10kg of grape must with 1kg of flour and heating the mixture while stirring continuously until it coagulates, adding rose water, cinnamon and mastic towards the end so as to maintain their aroma. Palouzes is then poured into plates where it is left to cool. Some people enjoy eating palouzes hot but it is more commonly served cold with a garnish of almonds or walnuts, whole or crushed. Due to its high moisture content, it has a few days of shelf life if not refrigerated.

Palouzes is a favourite energy food, often consumed along with zivania, a perfect warm-up during the winter.

There are many versions of how to prepare a palouze. From village to village and from region to region, the recipe is different.

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Especially on weekends, when most people feel relaxed and happier, brunching with family and friends holds a top place in Cypriots’ preferences.

We spotted 5 unique places for brunch where you will experience the true Cypriot flavors in the village.

Stafilaris Coffee Shop in Lefkara

Stafilaris Coffee Shop is a traditional café with a lovely backyard in Lefkara and serves delicious, traditional Cypriot breakfast. The breakfast includes, among others, coffee, halloumi, bacon, olives, tomatoes, eggs etc.

To mpakaliko tou Hapsi in Agros

An old, stone-build grocery store in Agros transformed into a beautiful coffee shop, which serves amazing food and of course, traditional Cypriot breakfast. Enjoy the panoramic views of Agros village while tasting the famous Boukoma (brunch), including eggs, lountza, cheese, smoked bacon, cucumber, tomato, various jams, toasted bread and many more.

Kika’s Garden in Kallepia (Paphos)

Mr. Kika turned her home in Kallepia (Paphos) into a place for all-organic brunch, with produce from her own backyard garden. Special brunch is served from Thursday to Sunday, 09.30 to 14.00. Enjoy fresh eggs, bread freshly baked in her backyard oven, halloumi and many more from her own produce. Pre-booking is highly recommended.

Elli’s Jar, Kato Drys

Kato Drys is a picturesque village in the province of Larnaca, near Lefkara village and is hosting Elli’s Jar, a beautiful coffee shop with an amazing terrace. Elli, the owner, creates delicious jams and chutneys as well as delicious coffee, fresh juice, delicacies, homemade bread, croissants and many pastries, eggs, variety of cheeses and sausages etc.

Potamos Tavern, Kampi (Farmakas)

Kambi village is located next to Farmakas and is ideal for weekend brunching. ‘Potamos’ Tavern offers freshly baked bread accompanied with tomato and cucumber, sausages, boiled and fried eggs, roasted olives, salami etc.

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The festival is organized by the Farmakas Association of expatriates and friends and the Community Council.

The 7th Annual Festival of Tomato-Wine and Foods from Farmakas will feature a rich entertainment program, fine dining, zivania and wine.

In addition, there will be a presentation on how to prepare various traditional village dishes such as Siousioukko, Pallouze, Kydonopasto, Halloumia, Trachana, Honey cookies etc., on-site distillation of zivania, preparation of recipes with tomatoes as the main ingredient and gluten-free recipes.

Info: Sunday, October 27, Pharmakas, Nicosia, 10.00-17.00.

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However, do not miss the chance to visit the Church of Panayia Peravouniotissa, the Church of Agios Mamas and the Vouni Museums, including the Museum of Folk Tradition, the Ecclesiastical Museum and the Oenological Museum.

After your stroll in the village, you can eat at various famous traditional taverns like Takis Tavern Nice Hellas and Vouniotiko. If you are planning to stay at the village, you can stay at Vouni Lodge, Ipio Vouni Suites, Oinohori and Oinou Strata Luxury Suites & Wine Bar.

One thing is for sure…Vouni really grows on you!

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While you are there, do not miss the chance to visit the archaeological sites of Kalavasos and especially the archaeological settlement of Tenta, which welcomes visitors from all over the world.

As you walk around the village you will see its churches, remnants of old mines such as an old train, an old mosque, and its rich wild vegetation. When it comes to accommodation, the choices you have are quite a few.

Some of them are The Library Hotel & Wellness Resort (24817071) and the agrotourist accommodation Alonia House (24332998), Stratos ArtDeco House (99104208), Charalambos Holiday Cottage (99619396) and many more.

Finally, regarding taverns and restaurants, besides the choices offered by the village, you can even “jump” to the nearby fishing village Zygi, where you will find exquisite fish taverns and famous restaurants. Do not miss out on visiting the beautiful Laya, where the 16th Festival of Traditional Culture is organized on October 1st.

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