In Cyprus, hospitality is not viewed as a trivial gesture intended to lure tourists with money, but rather as an integral part of everyday life, where locals are delighted to welcome visitors. It can be hard to be a constant host, but for native Cypriots, hospitality is in their blood.
Where does this friendliness come from?
The sun shines almost all year round in Cyprus. It's as if the locals share their warmth along with it. Seasoned travelers have long known that people in warm countries are more open and easier to get along with than those from colder climates. After all, climate is a significant component of overall happiness. It doesn't matter whether the country is developed or developing.
Friendliness and love for everyone!
Smiling is the norm, which still surprises citizens of more northern countries. But Cypriots really do smile from the heart! They are genuinely happy to meet new people, love to communicate, and enjoy life together. Tolerance and respect for other cultures are taken for granted.
Their friendliness and hospitality are especially noticeable in public places, such as cafés and beaches, where locals easily strike up conversations with strangers, including foreigners. They want to show that anyone on this island can feel at home.
Family values
Cypriot families tend to be quite large. How is this possible? The average Cypriot family has three children. However, in recent years, the average has been trending toward two children. However, the closeness of relatives, including distant ones, is striking. Family gatherings take place regularly and for any reason, with dozens of people in attendance! Aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins, along with their spouses and children, visit their elders. They spend a lot of time at a lavishly laid table.
On ordinary, non-holiday evenings, everyone gathers around the table to relax and chat. Sometimes guests and acquaintances are invited to enjoy the delicious food. From the very first minutes of the feast, they begin to feel like part of the "clan," even if they were born thousands of kilometers away from Cyprus.
The attitude towards children
Children are adored in Cyprus. Literally in every way. At first, this can be discouraging. Regardless of their age, children are allowed to do a lot. Even teenagers are rarely asked to clean up or help with housework. Paradoxically, although the upbringing seems lenient, children grow up to be independent and not spoiled. Cypriots believe that love and attention make children more resilient to life's difficulties, so they try to give their children as much as possible until they leave home at 18.
Calmness and positivity
The phrase "siga-siga" ("slowly") reflects the essence of southern philosophy. Life here really flows calmly, slowly, and steadily without unnecessary stress. Cypriots know how to appreciate the moment and not rush things, which sometimes doesn't suit those with urgent matters to attend to. The overall stress level here is very low, which tourists immediately notice upon arrival and throughout their stay.
Interestingly: At first, the lack of stress is stressful. This is why some expats leave the island, unable to accept the leisurely southern pace. However, those who stay begin to appreciate it and blend into the general flow.
There is always time to chat.
Cypriots take breaks from work several times a day to chat. They talk about a wide variety of topics, from leisure and food to the weather and family news. Sometimes they touch on more philosophical topics, but without any "heaviness" or sense of the "transience of life."
However, it is best to avoid certain topics of conversation:
- The division of the island into northern and southern parts.
- being equated with Greeks,
- Resentment of the locals' unhurried pace is another topic to avoid.
An interesting fact is that most Cypriots speak not only Greek, but also English. In Limassol, you can even meet foreigners who speak Russian fluently.
There is a love for cats and animals in general
There are many cats on the streets of Cyprus. They can be found in every corner of cities and villages, on beaches, and near monasteries. This is connected with a legend according to which, about two thousand years ago, cats saved Cyprus from snakes. Times have changed, but the respect and reverence for cats has remained deeply rooted in society. This care extends to other animals, such as dogs, donkeys, and birds. This love is another manifestation of Cypriots' warm attitude towards the world and those around them.
Cypriots have a unique relationship with religion and superstition
Faith is an integral part of life in Cyprus. There are temples in every settlement, from Limassol and ancient Paphos to mountain villages. Religious holidays are marked on the calendar as days off and are revered and celebrated by locals, sometimes on a scale difficult to imagine for such a small island.
Superstition always goes hand in hand with religion. The indigenous population sincerely believes that certain signs of fate must be respected, and that omens cannot be ignored. This is why everyone in Cyprus is so superstitious. Interestingly, it is contagious!
They have a sincere love for their small island
For Cypriots, their native island is the best in the world—literally a paradise on earth. Yes, it is small. There are droughts, and it is far from the mainland. Its size does not allow for grand projects, but... Many admit that they don't like leaving Cyprus. Even if they leave, when they return, they say the best places and most beautiful beaches are right here. For them, their native island is their heart and soul.
The cult of food and coffee
Meals are a ritual that takes place three times a day and never gets boring. You can spend two hours or more at the table as plates are filled with meat, vegetables, sauces, and seafood. This abundance is slowly consumed during leisurely conversation.
Coffee is a passion that fills the breaks between these delicious meals. Cypriots love brewing it in a Turkish coffee pot or ordering a cold frappe. They also sit in cafés for hours, discussing various topics, reading the newspaper, and enjoying their drinks.
Interestingly: Alcohol is not as popular in Cyprus. People drink it with lunch, but only a little. In principle, there are no alcoholism problems on the island.
The crime rate is low
Cyprus is safe, both from a European and global perspective. This surprises tourists, who are accustomed to the idea that they could encounter trouble even in a hotel. But no, definitely not here. This is due to a culture of trust where hospitality is the norm and respecting other people's property is important. People truly respect each other and do not want to harm anyone.
The scale of holidays and festivals
The measured southern lifestyle is occasionally interrupted by bursts of general merriment. The most important holidays in Cyprus are the spring carnival, Apokria, Kataklysmos, and Christmas. During the summer, villages and towns hold festivals celebrating flowers, berries, and fruits, such as the Apple Spas festival. Closer to autumn, there are wine festivals.
Family celebrations are widely celebrated, too. Hundreds of guests attend weddings and birthdays, and name days bring together crowds of relatives. The birth of a child and christening are another reason to set the table and spend time with family.
Cypriot hospitality stems from the locals' southern mentality: open, vibrant, and committed to traditions in the best sense of the word. These are things worth learning, and the best way to do so is to visit Cyprus!
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