Kato Platres comes into its own through the year’s recurring events: during Holy Week and Easter, flaounes, traditional games and Agios Demetrios Church shape the calendar; in October, grape products and the festival in honour of the community’s patron saint take centre stage. These dates give a trip a specific cultural focus.
Easter: traditions spanning several days
Flaounes, a traditional pastry made with cheese and raisins, are prepared on Wednesday and Thursday of Holy Week. On Easter Sunday, donkey races, sack races and egg races are among the traditional games held in the schoolyard of Kato Platres. Agios Demetrios Church is used every year on Easter Monday and on 26 December. The Easter traditions are therefore spread across different days rather than being limited to Easter Sunday. Preparation, games and use of the church are distinct events in the holiday calendar.
A church with a historic detail
The carved wooden iconostasis of Agios Demetrios Church was made in 1898. This dated furnishing adds a historical point of reference to the recurring holiday events. In Kato Platres, a specific item of church furnishing and the church’s annual use on two days thus sit side by side: a material detail and a glimpse of the community’s annual calendar.
Grape products and an October festival
After the grape harvest in October, Palouze, a jelly made from grape must, and Siousiouko, dried grape-must jelly with nuts threaded on a string, are still made in Kato Platres. Other traditional grape products that continue to be produced include dried raisins, Epsima, Palouzes, Soutzoukos, Kiofterka, spoon sweets, Rust and wine. Zivania, a strong, clear alcoholic drink, is also made. The local produce offers a different seasonal focus from the Easter traditions.
Another annual October event takes place on 26 October: a festival in honour of Saint Demetrios, the community’s patron saint, is held in front of the church every year. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the latest event details in advance.
A walk on the hill
Nature is another part of what Kato Platres has to offer: visitors can walk on the hill and experience the nature of Cyprus. This is a different focus from local holiday and food traditions and can be included in your travel plans as a separate activity. It is advisable to check conditions before setting out for the walk.
Choosing when to travel
Two distinct cultural highlights can guide your choice of dates: at Easter, traditions are spread across Holy Week and several holidays; in October, there is production after the grape harvest and the festival on 26 October. Plan your stay around the specific dates if these events are important to your trip. This lets you choose the time of year according to the traditions that interest you.
Discover more destinations: Pentakomo, Souni-Zanakia, Anogyra, Vouni, Kato Amiantos, Kato Kivides, Alassa, Erimi
For the broader travel guide: Limassol.
