North Cyprus Festivals

Festivals are almost a way of life in North Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots enjoy a festival and celebrate just about everything from an international level to local village festivals. North Cyprus is Muslim and, although Cypriots are very liberal in their attitude, the religious festivals are the most important. Dates for Muslim festivals are moveable as they are influenced by the lunar calendar. Ramadan occurs in the 9th month of the Islamic year and Seker Bayrami (sugar festival) marks the end of month long fasting with indulgent overload of all things sweet. The meat festival or Kurban Bayrami celebrates Abraham’s sacrifice of his son Isaac. At this time a sheep or goat is sacrificed for a huge family celebration but, traditionally, richer families gave meat to the poor. Although Muslims don’t celebrate Christmas it is recognised and street decorations reflect this but New Year is the important festival.

Festivals fill the calendar during the warmer months and start with the Bellapais Music Festival from mid May for four weeks. Predominantly classical music, it attracts international artists and is held in the refectory of the abbey. In July, Salamis ancient theatre is host to the International Famagusta Culture and Art festival covering a wide variety of events. Turkish works are presented by the Ankara and Istanbul state theatres, amongst others, during the International Cyprus Theatre Festival held in Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia and at the Ataturk Cultural Centre from mid August to early September. The Kyrenia Jazz festival in December isn’t without its followers either.

Of all the festivals, local village affairs are a great insight into the culture. These festivals are mainly centred around food, exceptions being the Silk Festival in May at Bellapais; to maintain awareness of the once importance of silk and preservation of the Mulberry tree. Similarly, the Tulip Festival at Camlibel at the end of March showcases the need to protect the Cyprus Black Tulip. Guzelyurt Orange Festival; Lefke Walnut Festival; Karpas Grape Festival in August; a Watermelon Festival and Olive Festivals all celebrated locally when they are ready to eat. This is the time to join in the celebrations with folk dancing, local craft demonstrations and the chance to sample tasty, fresh fast food Cypriot style such as gozlemi and samisi.