American in Cyprus: Carnival Festivities Have Begun

We got into the spirit of carnival this weekend. Nicosia had a small carnival parade on Sunday. It was filled with many children marching in costumes with a group. Each group dresses according to a theme and they looked real cute. The large parade will be next weekend in Limassol. After the parade we drove into downtown Nicosia to have some yummy lunch at an Armenian place that sells traditional Middle Eastern foods primarily based around fresh baked bread doughs (things like pizza and bread stuffed with cheese) and flat bread with kebabs. Alex and Sofia enjoyed the bus ride last weekend so much that they convinced us to let them ride home on a bus. Demetris followed us in the car and picked us up at the bus stop closest to home. In the evening, the school that our nieces attend sponsored a carnival party. All of the children wear costumes to this event. It was held at a place that is basically a function hall. There was a large turnout and very little organization which resulted in a slightly crazy atmosphere. Many of the older kids in attendance spent the night chasing each other around the tables where we were seated. Alex and Sofia had a great time anyway and we were some of the last to leave. They both spent a lot of time dancing, and Sofia especially showed off all of her moves. Alex preferred sliding on his knees across the dance floor.