In May Cypriots celebrate the spring’s return and nature’s beauty in spring with Anthestiria, or Flower Festival. Anthestiria is inspired by the ancient festival that was held in Athens in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility. Anthestiria was also the carnivals of souls, plants and flowers to celebrate the re-birth of man and nature.
The annual Anthestiria Festival also known as the Flower Festival took place on Saturday May 13 in Paphos. The traditional event which has a history spanning close to a century, sees locals taking part in a parade which uses fresh flowers to decorate floats and baskets.
With a procession of children from the public and private schools of the city and province of Paphos, the events for the Anthesteria festival on Saturday, May 13 culminated.
In his short greeting, the Mayor of Paphos Phaidonas Phaidonos, referred to the historical importance of the institution since the city has been celebrating Anthestiria for 85 years, a celebration that has its origins in the ancient Athens where they celebrated the coming of spring.
The beginning of the procession was played by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Paphos and the procession was led by a chariot with the goddess Aphrodite, while the elementary and middle school children, dance schools and other institutions of the city paraded in turn.
A theatrical action followed, artistically reviving the abduction of Persephone by Pluto by students of the 1st Lyceum of Makarios III and the Music School of Paphos.
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