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Who Are the Cypriots?
Many people perceive Cypriots as Greeks living far from the mainland. Indeed, they speak Greek, and their appearance often shows Greek features. Cyprus shares traditions, holidays, and superstitions with Greece. However, Cypriots are an independent and distinct people who may not appreciate being called Greeks. Their mentality is similar to that of Europeans, and Russians, in particular, often find it easy to connect with them. The sense of humor between Russians and Cypriots is quite similar, making it likely that you’ll find common ground with a local Cypriot. You can see the true nature of a Cypriot in informal settings. Their friendly demeanor at work, where they greet everyone with a charming smile, is part of the tourist lifestyle. Nonetheless, Cypriots are genuinely kind and hospitable, with social connections being more important to them than money. When you befriend a Cypriot, you also become friends with their family and acquaintances. If you’re planning to live on the island, building relationships with Cypriots can make settling in much easier. One unique trait of Cypriots that may be unfamiliar and confusing to outsiders is “siga-siga.” This term describes their laid-back and unhurried approach to life, their reluctance to rush, and their indeterminate timelines. The philosophy behind it is: why hurry when you should enjoy life? “Siga-siga” can be frustrating in business dealings, as you might not receive tomorrow’s documents even the day after, or you might wait half an hour for a Cypriot who claims to be on their way. In most cases, this Cypriot attitude doesn’t cause serious inconvenience, and foreigners living in Cyprus gradually get used to it and eventually don’t even notice it.Cypriot Men and Women
Cyprus is a patriarchal society where men’s roles are traditionally more prominent than women’s. While there is no severe discrimination against women’s rights, differences in responsibilities and traditions are noticeable. The man is considered the head of the family and is always right. However, he also bears the responsibility of protecting and providing for his family. Family values are very strong in Cyprus, and men are loyal to their wives despite the influx of European female tourists. Women in Cyprus typically handle household chores and child-rearing, while men work in the tourism or banking sectors. Of course, there are women who pursue careers, but they generally don’t hold high positions, as the top roles are reserved for men. Cypriot women may be more reserved initially, but once they trust you, they open up and become good friends, valuing female friendship. Women dress modestly, and some entertainment venues are still off-limits to them. The feminist movement, which is active in Europe, hasn’t reached Cyprus. Young Cypriot women prefer bright makeup and aim to look attractive. Both men and women pay attention to their appearance and engage in sports.Attitude Towards Children
Most families in Cyprus are large, and it’s rare to see parents with only one child. This is partly due to practical reasons: when a third child is born, the family becomes exempt from taxes. Consequently, many parents have at least three children. However, the abundance of children in families is not just a matter of practicality—Cypriots love children! If you have a child, they will receive attention and smiles from everyone around. And if they misbehave, no one but you will dare to punish them. Children in Cyprus are cherished and pampered. Their activities mostly consist of moderate studying, with no household chores. Cypriots, who are used to working hard, strive to shield their children from labor for as long as possible. In Cypriot families, you might even see a mother washing dishes or cleaning the room for her teenage son. In wealthy families, there’s often a housekeeper to handle such tasks.Attitude Towards Parents and the Elderly
As soon as children grow up and start their own families, they move out of their parents’ home. Children do not live with or support their parents financially. However, despite these customs, Cypriots maintain strong attachments to their relatives. Families of grown children frequently visit their parents, organize regular family gatherings, and celebrate holidays together. The elderly in Cyprus are very active, participating in sports and cultural events. There are few poor elderly people, as the older generation in Cyprus is generally well-off. It is the younger generation starting their careers that often needs financial support. 
