Kataklysmos means Flood and this unique Cypriot celebration, which coincides with (Greek) Pentecost, is marked by festivities at all seaside towns. Stories of a Flood, that cleanses mankind of its sins and enables new life on earth, are known in various cultures.
The story is found both in the book of Genesis (Noah's Ark) and in the Greek myth of Deukalion and Pyrra. We also see similar tales in Buddhism, Massai and other ancient religions. Many therefore believe that a universal Flood actually has occurred in antiquity.
The festivities themselves probably originated from the celebration of the birth of Aphrodite, who arose from the waves of the sea (Petra tou Roumiou) and turned the ground on which she walked into a sea of flowers.
Tourists and Cypriots start arriving already early and spend the morning on the beach; followed by exuberant lunches in the fish restaurants in the harbours. Around 5 o'clock in the afternoon the activities start, of course all having to do with water: swimming contests, boat trips, para-sailing demonstrations and banana-rides.
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