Religious fairs, whether small and local, or of pan-Cyprian reach, constitute to this day a leading outdoor religious and social event in the life of Cypriots, preserving from the ravages of time important features of the culture, character and lifestyle of the inhabitants of the island.
Fairs are primarily a religious celebration. Along with their great importance as a way of mass manifestation of the popular faith of Orthodox Christians, religious fairs are an important commercial event, during which visitors can buy foodstuffs, such as fruit and vegetables, handicraft products such as utensils and tools, as well as other traditional or “festival” utensils and decorative items from street vendors. Moreover, they are a social event, an occasion for the local population to come together, contributing to the preservation of local customs and traditions and the cohesive ties between the inhabitants of the area.