Easter - the most important orthodox holiday on Cyprus, esteemed by many generations of its inhabitants. The easter season opens 50 days prior to Easter "Green Monday” (the first day of Lent - day of fun, laughter, masquerades and picnics). The cheerful mood of the Big Carnival is in the air which is annually spent on Cyprus before the fast begin. After "Green Monday" follows 50 days of a post during which orthodox Cypriotes prepare for Sacred week and Easter.
More close to a great holiday, on a Passionate Friday - is day of grieve, young girls and women from all arrivals decorate the gilt image of Jesus Christ in Orthodox Church with flowers. Then they put them on some supports decorated with flowers and carry it on the streets during Evening mass. All parishes compete among themselves: who will better decorate the gilt image of Jesus Christ and whose ceremony will be the most colorful.
On Saturday midday in all churches start to read sermons. At midnight people in celebratory clothes gather in church and render praise to Revival of God. One more Easter tradition on Cyprus which originates in the remote past is kindling fires in court yard. Young men put from fire wood the big ritual fire - Bonfire, for the symbolical burning of Judas which has betrayed the Christ.