The lighting of the lamprey is one of the most characteristic Easter customs, deeply rooted in the tradition and cultural identity of the local community of Paphos. It is a practice passed down from generation to generation, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and accompanying the climax of the Easter celebrations.
In the district of Pafos, Municipalities try to reconcile the maintenance of the custom with the safety of the residents, setting terms and conditions, mobilizing crews and checking compliance with the conditions.
The message that strict measures are being taken for lampreys in the Municipality of Paphos and are only allowed under conditions, was sent by the Head of the Department of Public Health and Cleanliness of the Municipality, Dr. Christ Christou.
As he mentioned, in the context of a meeting held with the Police and the Fire Service, specific decisions were made regarding the custom of lampreys during the Easter holidays. As he mentioned, no church will be allowed to light candles on the night of Holy Saturday, unless the church committee first submits a request to the Municipality and obtains the necessary approval, which will be accompanied by strict conditions.
The Municipality of Paphos, in the context of prevention and ensuring public safety, has already set up crews, as he said, which will work until noon on Holy Saturday, with the aim of removing materials and preventing uncontrolled situations.
According to Mr. Christou, so far only one church has expressed an interest in organizing a lambratzia, even asking for a very limited amount of wood. The Municipality is in constant communication and consultation with the specific ecclesiastical committee, so that, if permission is granted, the conditions will be strictly defined.
These conditions include the use of a small amount of wood and the selection of a specific, suitable place, with the aim of avoiding any disturbance or danger during the Divine Liturgy, but also to ensure the protection of citizens and their property. Finally, the Municipality underlines that the primary objective is the maintenance of order, the safety of the public and the respect of religious events, without endangering public health and safety.
The Mayor of Akama Marinos Lambrou, for his part, said that every year the lighting of the lamprey is a custom and this year it will be maintained. However, he noted that measures are being taken by the Local Authority throughout Holy Week, both in the municipal district of Pegeia and in the municipal district of Kissonerga, where an increased presence of young people is observed.
According to him, security guards have been posted, while especially on the evening of Great Saturday, when the lamps are lit, there will be an increased presence of staff for protection in and around the square area.
At the same time, he advised the young people to be careful so that there are no injuries during these Holy Days, expressing his wishes to everyone for a Happy Resurrection. Asked about it, he said that the resurrection procession will be chanted in Pegia, Kissonerga, Kathika, Inia and Pano Arodes. In Pano Arodes, however, the resurrection sequence may be chanted at a different time.
For his part, the Mayor of Hierokipia, Nikos Palios, emphasized that the Local Authority acts with the safety of the citizens in mind, taking seriously the guidelines of the Fire Service. As he mentioned, the main objective of the Municipality is to maintain the ancestral tradition of lambratzis, without jeopardizing public safety or creating problems in the community. In this context, he explained that this year a total of five lamps will be lit in various parts of the Municipality, in an organized and controlled manner. At the same time, he noted that all the necessary measures will be taken, such as the surveillance and guarding of the premises, in order to avoid unwanted incidents and ensure the smooth conduct of the events.
In closing, the Mayor addressed an appeal to all citizens, and especially to young people, to show responsibility and respect. He stressed the need to avoid extremes and dangerous behaviors, calling on them to comply with the instructions of the competent authorities and organizers so that the custom can be celebrated in safety, order and a positive spirit for all. In the meantime, intensified patrols and checks continue in the Pafos district, with the aim of preventing the use of firecrackers, the uncontrolled lighting of firecrackers and phenomena of juvenile delinquency.
The Police maintains an increased presence and implements targeted actions in all provinces, seeking to prevent dangerous behavior and enhance the safety of citizens.
At the same time, the public is invited to show responsibility and cooperate with the competent authorities, so that this traditional custom continues to be a safe and unifying experience for all.