In celebration of Epiphany on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, OLOI takes us to 7+1 regions in Cyprus where local communities are preparing unique, traditional events. Every corner of the island comes alive with its own way of celebrating Epiphany, from classic customs to vibrant cultural activities!
The following article provides a detailed schedule for each area to better organize your outing—from morning onwards—to experience Epiphany in a festive and traditional atmosphere. After all, Epiphany is a major Christian feast, commemorating the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by Saint John the Baptist, and is considered an official holiday. Many Cypriots use this day to spend it differently and carefree.
This year’s official Epiphany celebration in Paphos – With the presence of the President and Archbishop of Cyprus
The established celebration, which alternates annually among the coastal cities of free Cyprus, will be hosted this year in Paphos, with the presence of the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, and the Archbishop of Cyprus, Mr. Georgios.
The celebration will begin at the Holy Church of Saints Anargyroi, where Archbishop Georgios will conduct the Divine Liturgy and the Great Blessing of Waters. The procession will then head to Paphos Harbor for the diving of the Holy Cross. The procession will be accompanied by the Police Philharmonic Band, while the National Guard Philharmonic will pay honors at the Church and Harbor.
The procession will pass through Agapinoros, Ikarou, Konstantiou, Theoskepastis, and Alkmenis streets, then along Poseidonos and Apostolou Pavlou Avenues before reaching the harbor pier. Traffic will be temporarily halted on each road for the procession to pass and will resume immediately afterward.
For public convenience, parking spaces are available at the courtyard of Saints Anargyroi Church, at the field of the 6th Primary School, at the Archaeological Park parking area, and behind the Cyprus Ports Authority buildings.
Drivers are requested to follow traffic police instructions and temporary traffic arrangements to avoid delays and inconvenience.
Epiphany in Aglantzia – A celebration full of tradition, music, and smiles
The Municipality of Nicosia invites us to celebrate Epiphany and the Water Blessing Ceremony on a unique day filled with tradition, music, and family atmosphere.
The event will take place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Saint George Athalassa Park. The program begins at Saint Barbara Church in Aglantzia with Matins, Divine Liturgy, and Great Blessing followed by a procession to the park’s lake for the Water Blessing Ceremony.
The rich cultural and traditional program includes:
- Cypriot dances by Aglantzia Folklore Group
- Pontic dances by Youth Center of Greek Pontians Cyprus “Panagia Soumela”
- Traditional music
- The performance “The Goblins of Cyprus” by engraver Hambis Tsangaris
- The traditional Pontic folk performance “Momogeroi”
- For young and old alike, free loukoumades (fried dough), music, dances, and a festive atmosphere for all families.
Epiphany in Geroskipou and Timi – Water Blessing and Treats
The Municipality of Geroskipou and the Ecclesiastical Committee of Sainte Paraskevi Church invite all citizens to participate in celebrating Epiphany on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The Diving Ceremony of the Holy Cross and Water Blessing will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Geroskipou Municipal Beach (Boat Ramp).
After the ceremony, attendees can enjoy treats at Luna Park Geroskipou Beach.
To facilitate transportation, Geroskipou Municipality will provide a bus to transport attendees to and from the ceremony venue after completing Epiphany’s Divine Liturgy (departure from Geroskipou Square).
Meanwhile, in Timi Municipal District, celebrations continue with Great Blessing at Sainte Irene Church, followed by Diving Ceremony of Holy Cross at Municipal Park with treats for all attendees.
Sanctification of waters at Paralimni Marina – Rich artistic program accompanied by free loukoumades
The Municipality of Paralimni – Deryneia, in cooperation with the Holy Metropolis of Constantia and Famagusta, invites the public to participate in the Epiphany celebration. The Diving of the Holy Cross and the Sanctification of the Waters will take place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Paralimni Marina.
The Government will be represented by the Honorable Minister of Justice and Public Order, Mr. Costas Fytiris.
After the ceremony, the public will enjoy an artistic program with traditional dances by the Paralimni Cultural Workshop “Para ti Limni”. Musical accompaniment will be provided by talented musicians: Petroula Herodotou (vocals), Michalis Kyprianou (tsampouna, percussion), Pampos Theodorou (lute, vocals), and Theofanis Theofanous (violin).
Attendees will be offered free loukoumades, a kind donation by members of the Paralimni Adult Employment Center in collaboration with the Christian Association of Agia Varvara Paralimni, adding a sweet note to the celebration.
Epiphany at Acropolis Park – Sanctification of Waters with tradition and loukoumades
The Mayor of Strovolos, the Deputy Mayor, and the Members of the Municipal Council invite us to participate in the Sanctification of the Waters, which will take place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the lake of Acropolis Park.
The ceremony will be officiated by His Grace the Bishop of Neapoli, Mr. Porphyrios, with the participation of priests from the Church of Agios Dimitrios Acropolis.
After the Sanctification, hot loukoumades will be offered to all attendees.
The event, combining tradition and a festive atmosphere, is addressed to young and old and is a beautiful opportunity for the community to celebrate Epiphany together.
Sanctification of waters at Kourion Beach
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., Kourion Beach will be filled with joy and religious reverence, as the Diving of the Holy Cross and the Sanctification of the Waters will take place, marking the culmination of the Epiphany celebration.
As every year, following the Divine Liturgy, the Sanctification of the Waters and the Diving of the Holy Cross will also take place in the following areas:
In the Ypsonas district, at the Fountain.
In the Akrotiri district, at Akrotiri Harbor.
Holy Theophany celebrated with splendor and tradition in Ayia Napa
The Municipality of Ayia Napa, in collaboration with the Holy Metropolis of Constantia – Famagusta, invites the public to participate in the brilliant Epiphany celebrations, which will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Church of Panagia Ayia Napa.
The festive events will be honored by the presence of Her Excellency the President of the House of Representatives, Ms. Annita Demetriou, adding special honor and prestige to the day.
The solemn Divine Liturgy and the Great Sanctification will be presided over by His Eminence the Metropolitan of Constantia – Famagusta, Mr. Vasileios.
Immediately after, the customary procession to Ayia Napa Harbor will follow, where, in an atmosphere of reverence and celebration, the Baptism of the Holy Cross and the Sanctification of the Waters will be performed. The procession will be flanked by a National Guard detachment and the Ayia Napa Band, while a Gold Cross will be awarded to the first swimmer to retrieve the Holy Cross.
The celebrations will conclude in the specially arranged area of the Harbor with a special artistic program by the “Toubezia” Folklore Club of the Ayia Napa Municipal District, highlighting local tradition and cultural heritage.
Epiphany in Cyprus is a vibrant expression of faith, tradition, and collective memory. One could say that from the large coastlines to the smallest communities and villages, the custom of the sanctification of the waters unites places and people.
