Epiphany celebrations were underway on Friday in the main districts with religious ceremonies being held in coastal towns.
Epiphany is a Christian holiday celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist.
The most important ritual is the blessing of the waters, which is performed by a Greek Orthodox priest.
In seaside or lakeside areas, priests throw a cross into the water and swimmers jump in to recover it.
It is believed that the person who captures the cross and returns it to the priest will be blessed for the whole year.
The main event was taking place at the Church of Agioi Anargyros in Paphos in the presence of House
President Annita Demetriou. The liturgy was conducted by the new archbishop, until recently Bishop Giorgios of Paphos who will be officially enthroned on Sunday.
Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou will represent the government at the service at Saint Lazarus church in Larnaca.
Events are also taking place in Limassol, Paralimni and various areas of Nicosia such as Aglandjia and Strovolos.
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