The feast marks the Dormition – the “falling asleep” – of the Virgin Mary and her being taken into heaven, preceded by a two-week fast and observed with services across the country. But it is also a living celebration, spilling into courtyards, streets and beaches. To be here on this day is to see Cyprus at its most open and welcoming – a glimpse of the life many dream of making permanent.
From sacred tradition to summer celebration
The Dormition, meaning the “falling asleep” of the Virgin Mary, marks the belief that she died peacefully and was taken into heaven, body and soul. The feast has been observed since at least the early centuries of the Church and is preceded by a two-week fast in her honour. For generations, Cypriots have marked the day with church services, family gatherings and village feasts – traditions still lovingly preserved today.
Yet this is also very much a modern holiday. At the peak of the island’s summer, the long weekend blends deep spiritual meaning with the vibrant joy of the season. It’s a time when whole families return to their ancestral villages, when friends reunite under vine-covered terraces and when every town square seems to echo with music, dancing and laughter late into the night.
For newcomers, understanding these rhythms is a first step to feeling at home in the island’s way of life; our guide to Cypriot culture is a helpful primer.
During the August holiday weekend, the beaches become filled with celebrations
How Cyprus celebrates today
The long weekend is the busiest of the year – beaches are packed, mountain villages come alive with festivals and the air carries the scent of local wine and grilled souvlaki. This year, the celebrations are as lively as ever.
In the Paphos district, Polis Chrysochou is hosting a Nostalgia Disco Party, filling the night with 70s and 80s hits under the warm August sky. Nearby in Kato Pyrgos Tyllirias, the Fig & Halidji Festival invites you to taste the sweetest figs and local cheese while enjoying live music and traditional dancing. Wine lovers will head to Kallepia for the annual Grape Harvest Festival, where fresh grapes, palouzes and flowing village wine set the tone for a night of music in the square.
Over in the Troodos foothills, Lofou’s four-day Akis Theodorou Festival brings together Greek pop stars, folk musicians and community events, while Pelendri will echo with a tribute concert to the legendary Dimitris Mitsopanos. For a more laid-back evening, Pittali Winery in Ayios Theodoros offers live Greek entechno music paired with sweeping valley views.
These moments capture the island’s energy in a way you can’t grasp on a short break. It’s why many decide to put down roots – planning a future retirement, as explored in how to retire to Cyprus, or making an investment in their dream holiday home.
Imagine your own Cyprus August
For would-be buyers, 15 August is a glimpse of your new life. Picture waking in your own village home to the sound of church bells, strolling to the square for coffee with neighbours, then joining the evening’s festivities, wrapped in the warmth of community.
Whether you’re drawn to the coast or the cool mountain air, the Dormition holiday shows Cyprus at its most alive – a place where history, faith, and the joy of summer come together in unforgettable style. If you’re curious about the possibilities, our guide on why buy property in Cyprus is the perfect starting point, and for a complete overview, see how to buy property in Cyprus.
