Wedding traditions of Nicosia
A divided capital where Greek and Turkish Cypriot weddings keep the bed-making, the koumbaros and the sugared almonds.
Nicosia is the last divided capital in Europe, and its weddings reflect the island's two main communities. Greek Cypriots marry in Orthodox churches, with a koumbaros who sponsors the wedding and crowns. Cyprus is also a destination for foreign couples because of its easy civil marriage rules.
A wedding here
In the traditional Greek Cypriot wedding the bed is dressed by the bride's family and guests pin money to the bedspread. The couple is crowned with stefana connected by a ribbon and walks around the table three times. The meal may include grilled meats, halloumi and zivania, a grape spirit.
Law and change
Civil unions for same-sex couples were introduced in the Republic of Cyprus in 2015; marriage equality is not in place as of 2026. In the north, Turkish Cypriot families follow the civil registry with a henna night and a village feast.
Wedding customs of Nicosia
Also part of it, and being written: Koumbaros (The sponsor of the wedding.), Stefana (The wedding crowns.), Zivania (The grape spirit.).
Communities and their weddings in Nicosia
- Greek Cypriot families An Orthodox rite with the crowning and the bed-dressing.
- Turkish Cypriot families The henna night, the civil ceremony and a family party.
A wedding trail idea for Nicosia
- Ledra Street A shopping street.
- Archbishop Makarios III Cathedral An Orthodox church.
- Venetian walls of Nicosia A site for photographs.
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, venues and wedding-season dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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