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The mountain village of Kathikas in the Paphos district is once again bringing history and faith to life tonight, Good Friday, as locals prepare to take part in a powerful and moving reenactment of Christ’s path to Golgotha, a tradition that’s now been going strong for nearly half a century.
Every year, the village transforms into a live biblical scene, with a procession stretching roughly 500 meters through the heart of the community. It's a reenactment that’s become a deeply rooted custom since 1978, when the village’s late priest, Papasavvas, returned from Jerusalem inspired by the ceremonies he had witnessed there.
“He saw the reenactment of the Crucifixion and decided we could bring something similar to our own village,” said Charalambos Fylaktou, Kathikas community leader and now Deputy Mayor of Akamas after the recent local government reform. “It started humbly, but it became a custom embraced by everyone.”
Video of the Kathikas crucifixion reenactment in 2023:
For the first ten years, Papasavvas himself portrayed Jesus, leading the procession each Good Friday until his passing in 1988. Since then, the role has been taken over by the community leader, and this year, it’s Fylaktou’s turn once again to step into the sandals of Christ.
The walk begins at the small chapel of Saint Onoufrios and winds its way to the main church of Panagia Evangelistria, right in the center of Kathikas. Along the way, local residents take on the roles of Roman soldiers, disciples, and other figures, creating a hauntingly realistic representation of the final hours before the Crucifixion.
But the tradition isn’t just a somber remembrance, it’s also a celebration of community. In the days leading up to the event, volunteers clean and prepare the streets, while visitors pour in to witness this unique cultural and spiritual experience. And the Easter celebrations don’t stop with Good Friday.
On Easter Sunday, Kathikas will also host traditional games and, for the first time ever, a “flaounas” competition, where participants will bake the famous Cypriot Easter cheese pastry, to be judged on a scale of 1 to 10. “It’s a small way to add a fun twist to a weekend that’s both spiritual and festive,” said Fylaktou.
The village is buzzing, with agrotourism accommodations already fully booked, as more and more locals and visitors choose to spend Easter in the peaceful, picturesque surroundings of this Akamas mountain community.
