Cyprus Calendar January- March 2009

After the excesses of the festive season, the New Year is a time for resolutions and new beginnings, the perfect time to indulge in pampering and rejuvenating spa treatments or simply enjoy the great outdoors.
The relatively mild weather in Cyprus between January and March, with snow on the mountain peaks and sunshine on the coast; makes it the best time of year to enjoy hiking the many nature trails, skiing the slopes of Troodos or cycling along the coast.
 
Major Events

EPIPHANY: January 6
Epiphany is one of the most important religious celebrations of the year. Following a special Mass at the Cathedral of each town, a religious procession takes place down to the sea, at around 10.30 hrs, leading to a ceremonial baptism of the Holy Cross into the sea. During the ceremony the Bishop throws the Holy Cross into the sea and young men dive into the water to retrieve the cross and return it to the priest.

NEW YEAR INTERNATIONAL REGATTA 2009: January 10 - 15
Organised by the Cyprus Yachting Association at the Cyprus Yachting Association Sailing Centre in Agios Tychonas,  Lemesos (Limassol) area.

CARNIVAL: February 19 – March 01
Carnival is a ten-day period of fun and eating, prior to fifty days of fasting, before Easter.  During the first week called Meat Week, it is allowed to eat meat, whereas during the second week known as Cheese Week, only cheese and other dairy products are consumed. Carnival festivities begin on Thursday of the Meat Week. Carnival parades and fancy–dress balls are very popular and take place in Lemesos and Pafos.

THE SEVENTH EUROPEAN TEAM BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIP: February 21
The Seventh Team Championships are to be held at Athena Beach, Pafos, Cyprus over six days in February 2009. Teams are to consist of two women and two men bowlers, all of whom will play six games of singles and six games of mixed pairs.

“CYPRUS SUNSHINE CUP #1” - Cycling Race: February 22
Organised by the Cyprus Cycling Federation at Tochni – Kalavasos villages,  Larnaka District.

GREEN MONDAY: March 2           
The first day of Lent, is a day of joy, laughter and vegetarian picnics. Green Monday is followed by a fifty days fasting period, during which Christians prepare themselves to receive the Redeemer, shunning meat and dairy products and living on a vegetarian diet.
 
32nd TROODOS INTERNATIONAL FIS RACES 2009: March 6 – 8
Organised by the Cyprus Ski Federation at Dias Slope, Troodos

9th PLATFORM OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE: March 6 – 8
Cyprus’ greatest contemporary dance event: this is a unique opportunity for the public to acquaint itself with the latest works of Cypriot choreographers and dancers.

“CYPRUS SUNSHINE CUP #3”- Cycling Race: March 8
Mountain bike and cycling races - events in Cyprus with world class riders participating, organised by the Cyprus Cycling Federation.

“CYPRUS RALLY” FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP: March 13 – 15
The Cyprus Rally is one of the world’s most exciting motor sports events, organised by the Cyprus Automobile Association. For further information: tel: 22 313233, email:info@caa.com.cy, website:www.caa.com.cy

GSO - INTERNATIONAL OPEN MARATHON: March 29
The Gymnastic Club “TA OLYMPIA” (GSO), is hosting for a third consecutive year an International Open Marathon that will take place in Lemesos (Limassol). This event is under the auspices of the Cyprus Amateur Athletics Federation.

 
 
TUI