Saint Lazarus in Larnaka

There are several religious sites in Larnaka, but the most important one is the tomb of Saint Lazarus, where a cathedral now stands.

According to religious tradition, after resurrection the Saint (who was a friend of Jesus Christ) came and resided for 30 years in Cyprus, where he was ordained bishop in the city of Kition (as Larnaka was called then).

The Byzantine Museum in Cyprus (which belongs to Archbishop Makarios III Foundation), is organizing an intreresting exhibition of icons and relics from 02 - 08 March 2010, in honor of Saint Lazarus.

You can get more information at the website:
http://www.makariosfoundation.org.cy/

Events and activities that keep you busy in Cyprus

Every month there are hundreds of things you can do in Cyprus.

Take this month (February 2010) for example. If you go through the 14 pages list you will notice so many choices and alternative activities that will keep you extremely busy when you visit Cyprus, unless you choose to opt for relaxation and less hectic schedules.

I have chosen several indicative events in Cyprus. See more details in the above link.

Carnival is a ten-day period of fun and eating, prior to fifty days of fasting, before Easter. Carnival parades and fancy–dress balls are very popular all over Cyprus and especially in Lemesos. 04-14 February 2010.

Bird watching in Cyprus: Birdlife Cyprus arranges bird watching trips regularly.

Musical Saturdays continue in Lefkosia throughout February.
Musical Sundays continue in Lemesos, Larnaka and Pafos throughout February.

Art exhibition: Guernica, the story of painting, organized by the Bank of Cyprus and Artos Foundation. Lefkosia, 11 February – 21 March 2010.

Cyprus Symphony Orchestra has series of musical events in Lefkosia, Lemesos and Larnaka including classical music concert, string workshop concert, chamber music concert, etc.

Cyprus Sunshine Cup 2010 is a mountain bike race organised by the Cyprus Cycling Federation in the Machairas Forest, 26 – 28 February 2010.

Get to know Lefkosia, Lemesos and Pafos by walking. Take advantage of the walking tours organised by the municipalities of these cities.

Almond Festival: Traditional dances and free tasting of traditional products made of almond. Limnatis village in Lemesos district.

Limassol International Marathon 2010, 28 February 2010.

Sculpture exhibition in Larnaka by artist Andreas Tamamounas. “Kypriaki Gonia” Art Gallery. 15 January – 05 February 2010

Green Monday celebrations in Larnaka: Traditional music, songs, dances and games as well as activities for children. Organised by the Larnaca Municipality. Venue: Hala Sultan Tekke Grove. 15 February 2010.

Agia Napa and Paralimni Cultural Winter: Both municipalities organise traditional music, dance, classical music and other cultural events during the winter (November to March).

More information available at http://www.visitcyprus.com/ (under Events)

Get to know Lefkosia by walking

Since 1987 Lefkosia Municipality organizes series of thematic walking tours on certain days of the week.

These walking tours have proved to be good means in getting the foreign visitors better acquainted with the old part of Lemesos.

Througout the years the tours have been adjusted and developed to include new locations, some even outside the old city.

It is widely accepted that walking tours convey the real feeling of a place and contributes to its cultural development.

Lefkosia walks in February 2010
Every Monday
Chrysaliniotissa and Kaimakli: The Past Restored Guided bus and walking tour. Starting point: CTO Information Office in Laiki Geitonia at 10:00. Free participation.

Every Thursday
Guided walking tour of old Lefkosia. Starting point: CTO Information Office in Laiki Geitonia at 10:00. Free participation.

Every Friday
Lefkosia (Nicosia) - Outside the Walls. Guided bus and walking tour. Starting point: CTO Information Office in Laiki Geitonia at 10:00. Free participation. Organised by the Tourist Guides Association in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

For further information on the walks please contact +357 22 674 264

Photo: Hrach Kalsahakian during Lefkosia walking tour (2005).

Anglers are invited to catch bass fish to save a certain type of snake from extinction

Reuters reports that anglers are asked to help rescue an endangered Cyprus water snake called Natrix natrix cypriaca, that faces threat from a snappy fish.

To resolve the problem, at least temporarily, anglers will be allowed in February 2010 to fish again in the Xyliatos Reservoir on the foot of Troodos Mountains, where this aggessive fish lives.

The problematic fish (largemouth bass) eats almost everything that moves in the depths, including frogs that consist the primary source of food for the endangered snake.

The snake is harmless and does not poison or bite. It only fakes death or produces bad smelling fluid when attacked.

Reuters informs that the remains of this snake has been discovered in a very old site, probably the oldest prehistoric site in Cyprus (Aetokremmos), some 12 thousand years old.

The bass fish appeared in the reservoir in recent years. Authorities think it might have been brought in by anglers who found it easy to catch bass, compared to the difficult task of catching trout fish.