Celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Cyprus

The 15th of August is a major Christian holiday – the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. In Cyprus, it is also known as Dekapentavgoustos (meaning “15th of August,” after the day on which it is celebrated). Both the Church and local people consider it one of the biggest summer holidays and they celebrate it extensively.

The celebration is preceded by a two-week period of fasting and prayer, which begins on 1 August. The Eve of Dekapentavgoustos is also part of the celebrations. On the evening of 14 August, churches hold solemn religious services. Icon processions are another impressive, long-standing tradition associated with Dekapentavgoustos.

If you want to attend a service, you can visit one of the churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Nicosia, such as Panagia Faneromeni or Panagia Pallouriotissa.

Celebrations also take place outside the cities, particularly in villages and monasteries. Three of the most important monasteries dedicated to the Virgin Mary that celebrate on 15 August are Kykkos Monastery, Panagia Trooditissa Monastery, and Panagia Chrysorogiatissa Monastery.

Dekapentavgoustos is one of the major religious celebrations, but also a broader cultural celebration and a public holiday. As this year it falls on a Saturday, there will be no additional weekday closure of public services. However, you can expect more traffic on the roads, especially around villages and places hosting celebrations. Keep in mind that state markets and many private shops may be closed on 15 August, as well as around the holiday.

Panigyria are an important part of the tradition. These are traditional village fairs that can involve folk dancing, live music, handmade crafts and Cypriot food. Families reunite, as many people from the larger cities travel to their villages in the countryside to celebrate.