Kataklysmos Festival Paphos | Cyprus Water Celebration

Today, Julie and I are at Paphos Harbour for a truly unique celebration – Kataklysmos, the Festival of the Flood! 🌊 This vibrant Cypriot tradition takes place 50 days after Orthodox Easter, and let’s just say… things might get a little splashy! 😄

We take you along the picturesque harbourfront where the party is in full swing – think folk music, dancing, souvlaki sizzling away, and kids (and the occasional adult!) armed with water pistols. 💦 It's a joyful mix of ancient legend and modern fun, with its roots in both Greek mythology and Biblical tales of the Great Flood. Noah would’ve needed a snorkel here!

Expect plenty of colourful local stalls, Cypriot street food, and live entertainment – all set against the stunning backdrop of the Paphos coast. We even take a moment to reflect on how tradition and tourism come together so beautifully in Cyprus 🇨🇾

Whether you're here for the culture, cuisine or chaos, Kataklysmos is a must-see if you’re in Cyprus in early summer. Join us as we dive (not literally, promise!) into one of the island’s most loved celebrations.

💬 Let us know in the comments – would YOU brave the water fights?

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What is Kataklysmos?
Kataklysmos (Κατακλυσμός) literally means "Flood" in Greek, and it’s one of the most unique festivals celebrated in Cyprus, especially in coastal towns like Paphos, Larnaca, and Limassol. It takes place exactly 50 days after Orthodox Easter, on Pentecost Monday, and blends Christian traditions with ancient Greek mythology.

📖 Where Does It Come From?
There are two big origin stories:

Biblical: It commemorates the story of Noah’s Ark and the Great Flood, which is why it's called the Festival of the Flood.

Mythological: It’s also linked to the Greek god Prometheus, who warned humanity about a great flood sent by Zeus, and the survival of Deucalion and Pyrrha (the Greek Noah and his missus, basically).

So it’s part Old Testament, part ancient legend — and all very Cypriot!

🎶 How Is It Celebrated?
Here’s what you’ll typically find at a Kataklysmos celebration:

🎵 Live traditional music – think Greek folk bands and dancing.

🍢 Street food stalls – souvlaki, loukoumades, and all the local favourites.

🧺 Craft and market stalls selling handmade goods.

💃 Dancing and performances by local groups.

🌊 In some towns, you do get water-throwing games – but this varies by location and year. Paphos was a bit calmer this time!

🌅 Why Visit During Kataklysmos?
It’s a brilliant time to experience real local culture, not just the tourist version. You’ll meet locals, eat amazing food, hear beautiful music, and take in the sea breeze at harbour festivals like the one in Paphos. And no, you don’t need an umbrella – not every town goes wild with water!