Christmas begins in Nicosia with lighting of tree (photos,video)

The Christmas tree at Nicosia’s central Eleftheria Square was lit on Saturday evening, marking the official start of the festive season in the capital.

The lighting ceremony formed the end of a programme of events to celebrate the coming of Christmas.

The festivities began with a parade on Stasikratous and Makarios avenues including the Girl Guides and the philharmonic orchestra of the Pancyprian Gymnasium, as well as stilt walkers.

Celebrations as the Nicosia lights were switched on Photos: Christos Theodorides

At the head of the parade was Father Christmas himself, riding a motorcycle from the historical motorcycle museum.

Seasonal music played as the parade made its way through the capital before arriving at Eleftheria square, where the Christmas tree’s lights were officially switched on by mayor Constantinos Yiorkadjis.

The switching on of the Christmas lights follows the opening of the Christmas village in Nicosia’s walled city’s Laiki Yeitonia. The Christmas village will remain open throughout the festive season until January 14.