The festival has its roots in ancient times — the ancient Greeks held a festival called Anthesteria every spring to welcome the new season and celebrate flowers in bloom. Cyprus has revived this tradition with its own joyful version that takes place in several towns and cities. Paphos holds one of the biggest and most colourful celebrations.
The highlight of the Anthestiria is the flower parade. Schools, community groups, and local organisations spend weeks building elaborate floats decorated entirely with fresh flowers. On the day of the parade, the floats move slowly through the streets while spectators throw petals and children hand out flowers to the crowd. The air smells wonderful.
Children play a big part in the Anthestiria. Many schools create their own flower-decorated float and pupils walk alongside it in flower costumes or traditional dress. Folk dance groups perform on stages along the route. The festival is a reminder of how Cyprus, with its warm climate and wild flowers, has always been a naturally beautiful place.