What’s On ~ Cyprus Events October 2013

Kypria Festival

3 September – 20 October 2013

Where? All around Cyprus

This cultural event has grown over the years and is an important festival in Cyprus.  Organized by the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture, this year the event focuses on Mythology, Myths and History.

TICKETS € 10 / € 5 reduced
Beneficiaries reduced tickets are students, soldiers, students, pensioners and disabled after the presentation of identity.

Kiosks nationwide SOEASY

Booth TIME OUT Paphos

Internet: www.soldoutticketbox.com

Kypria Program of Events in Greek and English

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5th International Pharos Contemporary Music Festival

29 September – 6 October 2013
The Shoe Factory, Nicosia

Tickets: Free Entrance except Concerts on 30 September and 2, 3 & 6 October: €10
Box Office: Tel. 7000-9304 (daily 9.30-11.30am) / www.pharostickets.org

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World Animal Day

Friday 4  October 2013
Time: 18:00 – 22:00

The Cat Protection and Welfare Society (Cat PAWS) and the Nicosia Dog Shelter (NDS) are hosting (World Animal Day). Celebrate World Animal Day in a festive atmosphere with music & dance, food, drink and much more.

FREE ENTRANCE

Faneromeni Square
(in front of school)
Old Nicosia
Nicosia, Nicosia Cyprus
Contact
Elena Marangos
Tel: 99440113

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Cyprus Grape Festivals

September and November are the months for annual grape festivals throughout the wine growing villages of Cyprus.

7 October 2013 –  Afamia Grape Festival

The Square, Koilani Village

About 30km north of Limassol Town the celebration marks the end of the grape harvest.

Enjoy wine tasting and the traditional sweet palouze – grape blancmange which is made from grape juice and cornflour and utterly delicious 🙂

Open-air markets and traditional folk dancing.

Cyprus Events October 2013

Ibrahim Ferrer Jr.

10 October 2013 in Limassol
Time: Starts at 20:30

The son of Cuban singer of the same name, known worldwide for being the protagonist of the film “Buena Vista Social Club”. Today his son follows his steps, singing Cuban music, with the same respect to the public as his father.

Address : Rialto
Andrea Drousioti 19
Platia Iroon
Limassol 3603

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Peggy Zina

18 October 2013

Time: 23:00
Where : Pavilion, Nicosia

Calliope Zina (Peggy Zina), is a Greek singer who made her discographic debut in 1995 with her self-titled album.

She has since released twelve studio albums and is a high-profile artist in the Greece.

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Cyprus International Film Festival 

18 to 28 October 2013 at UNESCO conference and CINE STUDIO at the University of Nicosia

Projections are with free admission 5pm -8pm in room UNESCO, while at CINE STUDIO features two films daily 8pm and 10pm with day ticket 5 euros . The general pass screenings ticket costs 25 Euros . The foreign language films have greek subtitles.

The closing ceremony is on 28 October at 7:30 pm and at 10:00 pm will be the screening of the film “The Broken Circle Breakdown”, Felix Van Groeningen (2012), nominated for this year’s prestigious European Parliament LUX 2013.

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  28 October  –  OCHI DAY  (Public Holiday)

Greek National Day is celebrated every year as it marks the day when Greeks said NO (ochi) to Mussolini on October 28, 1940.

The Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas’ rejected the ultimatum made by Mussolini and since 1942 the day has been celebrated as a public holiday with parades. Many places will be closed.

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ADD Cyprus Events October 2013

If you would like to add an event contact us and we will add it to the appropriate page.

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What’s On In September …  

Cyprus Events September 2013

Kypria Festival

3 September – 20 October 2013

Where? All around Cyprus

This cultural event has grown over the years and is an important festival in Cyprus. Organized by the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture, this year the event focuses on Mythology, Myths and History.

TICKETS € 10 / € 5 reduced – Beneficiaries reduced tickets are students, soldiers, students, pensioners and disabled after the presentation of identity.

Kiosks nationwide SOEASY

Booth TIME OUT Paphos

Internet: www.soldoutticketbox.com

Swan Lake (Lemesos)

September 24 at 20.30 at Lemesos Municipal Garden Theatre

Kypria Program of Events in Greek and English

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Limassol Wine Festival 2013

29 August – 8 September 2013

Dionysus the god of wine would surely approve of this amazing annual event which has grown into an international festival attracting thousands of people every year.

Times: 7.00 p.m. – 11.00 p.m.
Friday/Saturday: 7.00 p.m. – 11.30 p.m.

Limassol Wine Festival

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Pafos Aphrodite Festival

6 – 8 September 2013

Medieval Paphos Castle / Starts at 22:00

With the popular, romantic, comic opera L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love) by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti Pafos Aphrodite Festival 2013 opens its curtain.

L’Elisir d’Amore constitutes one of the most charming and melodic operas of the international repertoire but also one of the old time favourites of opera lovers worldwide. The choice of this work of opera brings innovation to the Festival since a comic opera will be presented instead of lyric drama.

Tel: Pafos Aphrodite Festival – 26822218
website www.pafc.com.cy .
Ticket prices: €35, €50, €60 και €80.

There is a simultaneous visual translation in Greek and English via subtitles.

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Top Cyprus Events September 2013

Despina Vandi – Elli Kokkinou

Friday 6 September 2013
Time: Starts at 20:30

Cost €7

Address: Pattichion Municipal Amphitheatre
Nikolaou G. Dimitriou Street Larnaca

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 Alkinoos Ioannidis

9 – 13 September 2013

Popular Cypriot composer, lyricist, singer and orchestrator will be touring Cyprus this September with 5 concerts across the island:

• Monday, September 9 – Municipal Amphitheatre, Paralimni
• Tuesday, September 10 – Paphos Ancient Odeon
• Wednesday, September 11 – Pattichion Municipal Amphitheatre, Larnaca
• Friday, September 13 – Skali Aglantzias Amphitheatre, Nicosia
• Saturday, September 14 – Ancient Curium Theater

Ticket price:
€15 (presale)
€18
€10 (for children under 12 years)

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Nicosia Beer Festival

17 – 22 September 2013

Time: 19:00 – 00:00

Where : Costanza Moat
Nicosia

€5 including a drink

Live music and shows

60+ beers from around the world.

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Cyprus Grape Festivals

September and November are the months for annual grape festivals throughout the wine growing villages of Cyprus.

16, 23 and 25 September

‘Palouze’ festival in the villages of Vasa, Lofou and Arsos

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29 Ayia Napa International Festival

27 – 29 September 2013

FREE

The festival  is always the last week of September to coincide with the World Tourism Day at Seferis Square of Ayia Napa and around the historical monastery.

On 28 September at 21:30 is a concert with the famous Greek singer MARIOS FRANGOULIS.

Add your event for September or October ?

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Flaounes – Greek Cypriot Easter Bread

Flaounes  (Φλαούνες) are the traditional Easter bread of Cyprus.

They are made with special cheeses, eggs, sultanas and dried mint for Easter in Cyprus.

Although bakers shops and supermarkets are overflowing with them, many are still made at home.

The special ingredient that gives flaounes that delicious taste is Mastiki, which comes from the island of Chios.

These small, hard little pieces of resin  are known as tears of mastica / mastiha.

Flaounes Recipe

Flaounes Filling

6ozs kefalotiri cheese or cheddar cheese
6ozs halloumi cheese
1 tspn baking powder
1 tspn dried mint
2 eggs
half cup sultanas or raisins (depending on your taste)

Flaounes Dough

3 cups strong plain flour
4-5 tears of mastiki  (grind  in a mortar and pestle with a little sugar or it will stick)
1 tspn salt
2 tspns sugar
2 tbspns olive oil
1 sachet easy bake yeast
cup of warm water or milk to mix

To decorate the flaounes you will need the following:

1 egg beaten
Sesame seeds
Red-dyed hard boiled eggs.

METHOD

Dough:

• Put flour into a bowl, add yeast, salt, mastica, sugar and oil, add warm water and mix.
• Kneed for 5 mins and leave to rise for 1 hour.

Filling:

• Mix together cheese, flour, baking powder, mint and sultanas and then add beaten eggs.
• Mix to a stiff dough and cover.

After 1 hour

• When hour is up switch on the oven and put on medium heat.
• Knock back dough, roll out and cut into 12 balls.
• Roll out each ball into a 4 inch circle.
• Add a teaspoon of mixture to each, slightly dampen edges with water to seal and then fold edges into a square leaving opening in the center.
• Mix egg and cover each flaoune and then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• Bake in oven for approx 25 – 30 mins or until dark golden color.

Place on a plate, decorate with red-dyed eggs and when the time comes, try hitting eggs with each other to see whose egg is the hardest.

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Vasilopita ~ St Basils Cake

New Year Cake

Vasilopita is eaten on the feast day of St Basil (Ayios Vasilis) which falls on the 1 January – New Years Day.

In the morning the cake is cut and the one who finds the coin will be lucky all year.

The following recipe is one of our favorites and perfect with a coffee or tea or a glass of wine.

Ingredients for Vasilopita

• 6 cups of plain flour
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons brandy
• 1/2 cup of melted butter
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• Juice and grated rind of an orange or lemon
• Icing sugar to decorate
• Coin covered in foil

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How to make Vasilopita

1. Separate eggs and whisk egg whites till stiff
2. Beat egg yolks then cream the sugar and butter together and beat in the egg yolks
3. Mix brandy with orange / lemon juice and grated rind and slowly add the flour and egg whites and lastly the covered coin
4. Place in a greased, lined baking tin and bake at Gas 5 / 190 / 375 for 1 1/2 hours
5. Leave to cool and sprinkle with icing sugar when serving (you can trace the year number in the icing sugar)

Traditional cakes are enjoyed throughout the festive season. Favorites such as kourabiedes (Κουραμπιέδες) are similar to shortbread.  These small almond cakes are dusted in icing sugar and melt in the mouth, delicious with coffee or tea.

Other favorites include Melomakarona (Μελομακάρονα), small cinnamon and orange flavored cakes are drenched in a honey syrup and very yummy.  Finikia (Φοινίκια) walnut cakes are also delicious and easy to make.

These cookies are available at bakeries and supermarkets all over Cyprus, especially at this time of the year.

Xronia Polla ( χρονια πολλα)

Happy New Year

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Worry Beads ~ Komboloi in Greek

Although Komboloi are non-religious in nature the most popular theory of what they represent is the knotted prayer strands (komboskini) used by Greek Orthodox monks .

Origin of Worry Beads ?

There are many variations on their origin but as the word komboloi means “group of knots”, many think this is correct.

However, this is debated and another theory of their origin is from the Islamic Misbaha – a string of prayer beads.

In the past komboloi were only used by men sitting in tavernas sipping coffee or ouzo and they were often seen hanging on the mirror inside a taxi drivers car alongside a cross.

Fashion Accessory

Times have changed and they are now used as a fashion accessory by both men and women.

Amber has always been the stone used to make these strands but glass, ceramics and stones such as turquoise are often used.

Tourists love them and no home is complete without a strand of these beads somewhere in the house.

They come in various shapes and sizes but when buying these lovely strands of beads only choose the one you really like.

If you choose like this then they are sure to bring you luck.

If you’re not lucky enough to be living in Greece or Cyprus and you are wondering where you can buy these, don’t worry 🙂 … they are just a click away.

You can find many lovely beads just like the one in the photo above, which I bought in Cyprus, online – Worry Beads – Komboloi, Blue with Silver

 

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Traditional Cypriot Cheese

This tasty cheese originates from Cyprus and is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk.

The added touch of mint gives it that extra zing and it is truly delicious either fried, grilled or eaten with pasta or fruit.

Cyprus has many other delicious cheeses but this is unique to Cyprus and sold in supermarkets all over the world usually in small plastic packets but you can also buy it in a large tin.

If bought like this it’s a good idea to soak the cheese in water as it can be very salty. The cheese is much harder in texture so ideal for grating on food or grilling.

Tips on how to use Halloumi …

With Greek Cypriot Salad…

One of the most healthy ways to eat this cheese is grilled with a fresh crunchy salad.

For Breakfast…

Many people enjoy this cheese for breakfast either fried or grilled with eggs and lounza (similar to bacon).

With Pasta…

One of our very favorite pasta dishes and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

Add butter to pasta and then add grated haloumi cheese and sprinkle with a little dried mint.

As a Sandwich – Toasted or Plain

For a healthy a nutritious snack, try thinly cut slices of this tasty cheese with slices of cucumber and tomato in crusty Greek bread or in a toasted sandwich

With Melon…

A popular Cyprus food during the hot summer months served with juicy red watermelon and slices of this very tasty cheese… delicious!

Kali Orexi! (καλή όρεξη)

Good Appetite

 Traditional Greek Cypriot Dishes

Fassoulia Yiahni – Beans in Tomatoe Sauce
Keftedes – Meatballs
Afelia
Moussaka
Flaounes – Cypriot Easter Bread
Tsoureki – Greek Easter Bread

Do you have a favorite recipe?

Contact us or leave a rely below and we will be happy to add your recipe to this website.

Kali Orexi!
(καλή όρεξη)

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Fasolia Yiahni Recipe

Traditional Greek Cypriot Recipes

This Fasolia Yiahni Recipe is very easy to make and often served with keftedes (meatballs) or grilled Cyprus sausages such as loukanika and pastourma.

Fasolia Yiahni is  often served with a bowl of chopped raw onions and always eaten with fresh crusty bread which is used for mopping up the juices of this hearty dish and

Tip :  If you are in a hurry just  use 2 tins of haricot beans instead of the dried beans.

Fasolia Yiahni Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried haricot beans (washed)
• 2 large chopped onions
• 2 medium carrots (optional)
• 1 celery stick (optional)
• 2 tblspoons tomato puree
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley for decoration and taste (optional)
• 2 Fresh Lemons

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Method

• Soak the beans overnight in water, covered with at least 4 inches of water as the beans will swell.   You can add a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda as this helps soften the beans.
• Drain and rinse and put the beans in a casserole pot covered by at least 2 inches of water and bring to the boil for ten minutes taking care to remove the scum.
• Drain beans  and return to pot (this helps avoid flatulence)
• Add boiling water and cover beans, turn heat down and simmer for about 30mins or until they are soft.
• While waiting for the beans to cook fry onions, garlic (optional carrots and celery) until golden then add tomato puree, stir and cook for a few minutes then turn off the heat.
• When beans are ready, add the onion mix to beans and if necessary add a little water. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30mins.
• If there’s still a lot of juice, take the cover off and cook for a further five/ten minutes as this will reduce liquid.

Serve and enjoy with crusty bread, salt and pepper and lots of lemon squeezed over them. Kali Orexi! (καλή όρεξη)  ~ Good Appetite

How to make Baklava in about 30mins

There are many variations of the recipe,  some use walnuts or almonds but I prefer pistachio nuts.

If you want that creamy texture don’t forget to use unsalted butter.

Once you have all the ingredients ready it really doesn’t take long to make these mouth-watering pastries.

Makes about 20 pastries

Ingredients

Filling

• 350g or 2 cups of shelled pistachio nuts
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon rosewater

Syrup

• 300ml water
• 450g sugar
• 1 tablespoon of rosewater
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pastry

• 450g / 1 packet of filo pastry
• 250g or 1 and 1/2 cups of unsalted melted butter

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Method

1. Prehead oven to gas mark 4
2. Grease a 12 x 11 inch baking tray with butter
3. Mix together the ingredients for the filling

Make the syrup

• Put a pan on a medium heat and add the water and sugar and bring to boil for a few minutes.
• Add the rosewater and lemon juice and allow to cool

Making the pastry

1. Unwrap the filo pastry and cover with a damp tea-towel
2. Lay one sheet of the pastry into the baking tray and brush with the melted butter
3. Continue to do this until half the sheets of pastry are piled on top of each other
4. Scatter the pistachio nuts on top of the layers of pastry and then lay the other sheets on top. All the time brushing each sheet with butter
5. Now make diamond or square shape cuts on top with a sharp knife and put into the oven for about 20 minutes
6. For the last 10 minutes cook on a higher heat until the pastries are golden

When ready take out of the oven and pour over the cooled syrup (always add cool to hot never hot to hot) and leave to cool.

Then enjoy these mouth-watering pastries with your favorite tipple of either a glass of ice cold water or hot or cold coffee – yummy!

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Loukoumades

Loukoumades ~ Honey (Meli) Balls

These tasty balls of dough are one of my favorite Greek Cypriot desserts. They can be eaten at any time of the year but especially during festivals.

The traditional way of making them is to scoop up a handful of batter into your clenched fist, squeeze a walnut size amount through the gap between your first finger and place into a pan of very hot oil.

The easy way to do it is too drop a spoonful of the batter into hot oil for a couple of minutes until golden. Then drizzle with sweet syrup or honey and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.  Very easy and so delicious!

Loukoumades Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups plain flour
• 1/4 oz packet of easy-blend dried yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon of rose water
• 1-1/2 cups lukewarm water
• Grated zest of 1 orange 2 tablespoons honey
• sunflower oil

Syrup

2 cups sugar, 2 cups of water and 1 stick of cinnamon

METHOD

You will need a bowl or food processor (use the dough hook) and a saucepan of hot oil or a deep fryer.

Remember not to add the hot syrup to hot honey balls. The syrup must be made before you cook the dough balls so it is cool when added.

1. Mix the flour, dried yeast, zest of an orange and salt into a bowl (or food processor)
2. Add the rosewater and lukewarm water gradually until you have a thick batter mixture
3. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave in a warm place for about an hour or until risen with bubbles
4. Now you can prepare the syrup as it must be cool when covering the honey balls
5. Put the sugar, water and cinnamon stick into a saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes
6. Divide into balls using traditional method or scoop up walnut size amounts using a teaspoon and drop into a deep fat fryer or saucepan of boiling sunflower oil for a few minutes until golden
7. Drain onto paper towels, then place on a plate and cover with syrup then add honey, crushed walnuts and sesame seeds if desired.

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Kourabiedes Recipe

Tasty Shortbread with Almonds …

Kourabiedes ( Κουραμπιέδες ) pronounced koo-rah-bee-e-thez, are small almond cakes coated in icing sugar.

Always eaten for weddings and christenings (baptisms) and for the Cypriot and Greek celebrations of New Year and Christmas.

These tasty little bites are perfect with a coffee or tea for a snack or dessert.

Ingredients for Kourabiedes

• 5 1/3 cups plain flour
• 2 1/2 cups unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup toasted chopped almonds – walnuts if preferred
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon brandy
• 1 tablespoon of rosewater
• icing sugar to garnish and cloves(*) if required

* In Greece and Cyprus it is customary to pop a clove on top of each shortbread as this represents the Three Wise Men’s gift of spices to baby Jesus.

 How to make Kourabiedes …

1. Toast almonds in oven for a few minutes on a low heat and then chop into small pieces
2. Beat the butter until soft and fluffy and then add sugar and mix together
3. Mix in the egg yolks and brandy
4. Sift the flour and baking powder and add to the mixture
5. Then add the almonds, cover the mixture with cling film (plastic wrap) and refrigerate for about 30mins
6. Now pre-heat oven to 180c (350f / gas 4)
7. Line a baking tray with grease-proof paper (baking paper)
8. When the mixture is ready break off small pieces of dough and shape into small circles or half moons and place on tray (you can also roll the pastry out and use shaped cutters)
9. Bake until lightly golden for about 20 – 25 mins and allow to cool
10. Brush the cookies with rosewater and then dust with icing sugar and enjoy!
11. Store in a sealed container.

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