Immigrate to Cyprus and experience life in Cyprus: A country's customs and traditions often reflect the character and lifestyle of its people. For newcomers, a warm and simple folk culture can quickly make them feel at home, and appropriately understanding and following local customs can make the integration process for immigrants smoother and more effective. Therefore, let us familiarize ourselves with the customs and traditions of Cyprus.
On this small and prosperous island, the folk culture is extremely simple. Cypriots are sociable, honest, generous, and warm-hearted. They do not stand on ceremony; if they show you kindness, they will treat you like an old friend immediately, so there is no need to be overly modest, as this may cause displeasure. Generally, people who meet frequently or for the first time will shake hands gently, sometimes nodding and using gestures to show friendliness, but friends and relatives who have been separated for a long time often shake hands and embrace. If a Cypriot invites you to dinner, it is best not to refuse without a special reason. There is a saying on the island: it is impolite to leave before the coffee has cooled.
Cypriots love colors such as blue, light blue, black, white, and yellow. Easter is the most important religious holiday, and people attach more importance to it than to Christmas. People fast for 40 days before Easter, though most now only do so symbolically every Friday. In daily life, they enjoy outdoor activities such as barbecues (grilled meat, grilled fish), holiday hiking, picnics, and hunting. Their diet is mainly based on barbecue. After meals, guests are often treated to a semi-preserved dessert made from fruits or peels marinated in sugar and honey. Every family knows how to make this dessert, although it is less common to make it at home in cities. Cypriots also love to drink coffee, and most cafes are open all day. Cypriots love to dance, and on holidays, communities often hold Greek dance performances or parties to celebrate.
In the past, when a Greek Cypriot daughter got married, her parents had to prepare a generous dowry for her, including a new house. Therefore, if a family had a daughter to marry off, they had to prepare the dowry early, and if there were multiple daughters, the burden was even heavier. The groom, however, did not have to worry about housing (this custom is still retained in some rural areas). Weddings are generally held on Saturdays, with ceremonies in the church, followed by a banquet at a different location to entertain friends and relatives, receive their blessings and gifts. After the ceremony, a sweet cake is given to each guest to symbolize that the couple's life will be forever sweet.
The most important and popular arts in Cyprus are music and dance. Many songs have retained many of the original forms of ancient Greece. At wedding dances, men dance vividly and powerfully, while women's movements are gentle and delicate.
