Traditions of Holy Week in Paphos villages

Tradition researcher Anna Tselepou emphasizes the importance of preserving Holy Week customs in the villages of Paphos, Cyprus. On Palm Sunday, also known as Olive Sunday, women bring olives to church to be blessed for forty days. On Holy Thursday, households bring water to churches to be sanctified during the reading of the Twelve Gospels, which is later used to prepare long-lasting sourdough. Also on Holy Thursday, eggs are dyed red, leading to the alternative name Red Thursday. Preparations continue on Good Friday, starting at dawn with the baking of 'Stavrokoulouro', a cross-shaped bread hung on entrance doors. Additionally, festive breads known as 'avotes', featuring a red egg in the center, are prepared. Tselepou notes that these customs are rooted in cultural heritage and serve to keep folk traditions alive for future generations.