Greek Cypriots celebrated Epiphany Day for the first time in years on the northern side of ethnically divided Cyprus this week, believed to have a lot to do with last years peace talks between the two sides.
Hundreds gathered in what is now being referred to as a ghost town, with abandoned hotels and houses guarded by barbed wire, to observe the blessing of the waters.
Some 15 young men took part in the tradition, diving into the cold waters in a bid to retrieve the blessed cross.
Ethnically split since the Turkish invasion of 1974, Greek Cypriots have been permitted to cross to the north since 2003. However, conducting events of a religious nature has required advanced permission.
This year, for the first time since the war, Turkish Cypriot authorities approved the Epiphany celebrations to take place on a beach at Famagusta.
“This is a very moving moment for me … our presence here means we haven’t forgotten, and we still believe one day we will return,” said Greek Cypriot Philippos Yiapanis.
One of hundreds present to observe the ritual, now aged 59, Mr Yiapanis was 17 when he left the area, living the bulk of his life in a divided country.
While there are still issues to be resolved, Wednesday’s celebrations have been seen as a positive reflection on the state of affairs as peace talks continue into 2016 between Cypriot leaders, Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Akinci.
Source: Reuters
