Dance and feast in the streets in Limassol

Travel writer Killian Fox from Abu Dhabi daily newspaper "The National", has mentioned Limassol (Lemesos) as a recommended location for visit in February.

Killian says: "Every spring, before the fasting period of Lent, Cyprus enters a feasting period known as Carnival. For 10 days and nights, the island throngs with vibrant parades, fancy-dress parties and lively musical performances."

Talking about the weather, Killian notices that the weather in February is already warm and flowers are in early boom.

The Carnival is best experienced in Limassol. Killian emphasizes on that saying: "Nowhere does Carnival better than Limassol, Cyprus’ second city on the picturesque southern coast, where the celebrations are high-spirited and brightly colourful."

To sum up the activities related to the Carnival, we read the following: "The festivities kick off on February 4 – the beginning of Kreatini, or “Meat Week” – with the arrival of the Carnival King."

And a final advice: "Make the most of the island’s wonderful cuisine (the second week of Carnival revolves around cheese) before the Grand Carnival Parade heralds the beginning of Lent on February 14."

"The National", Abu Dhabi, 30 January 2010

Cypriot and Greek authorities cooperate and break up an antiquities smuggling ring

Cyprus police announced Monday (25 January 2010) they had arrested a theft ring that was trying to sell four thousand years old artifacts.

More than 100 officers worked on the case in Cyprus, originally alerted by information coming from Greek police.

"By cooperating with the Greek authorities we were able to track and locate this smuggling ring," Cypriot Communications Minister Nikos Nikolaides told reporters.

The case can lead to further enquiry about the security measures in Cyprus around archaeological sites.

Police is also investigating whether the theft is part of an international smuggling network. Police spokesman said 10 Cypriots had been arrested so far and more arrests are expected.

This has been the largest antiquities theft attempt in the history of Cyprus.

According to officials the artifacts include copper and silver coins, terra-cotta urns and clay and limestone figurines from urns located in Lemesos and Pafos. It is suspected that some of the artifacts are from occupied territories of Cyprus or maybe from elsewhere.

Cyprus is known for its archaeological wealth as it has wittnessed successive waves of settlers starting from around 9000 BC.