Filenews 20 April 2025
An unspeakable tragedy marked Holy Week, as a 22-year-old man lost his life on the afternoon of Holy Saturday during preparations for lampratzia in the Strovolos II Settlement. The incident took place under circumstances that are still being investigated, while it comes just a few days after the rejection of the relevant bill for the regulation of lampratzia by the Parliament.
According to the first information, the accident happened around 17:30 in an open area near Konstantinoupoleos Street in Strovolos, where a group of young people was preparing the lampratzia. The 22-year-old, of Romanian origin, was crushed by an EAC wooden pole which he was attempting to transport to the scene, resulting in his fatal injury. The Police from the first moment cordoned off the scene to investigate the exact circumstances of the accident, while an ambulance immediately rushed to the scene.
The family of the unfortunate young man, who is abroad, was officially informed a short time later by the authorities.
The Municipality of Strovolos cancels all events
The news alarmed Cypriot society, with the Municipality of Strovolos expressing its deep sadness and cancelling all planned Easter events in mourning.
Specifically, the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, the Municipal Council and the staff of the Municipality of Strovolos expressed their sincere condolences to the family and relatives of the 22-year-old who lost his life so unjustly on Holy Saturday.
In a sign of mourning, the Municipality of Strovolos announced that all scheduled Easter festivities are cancelled.
"His memory is eternal," the statement notes, while sympathy is expressed to the victim's family, with wishes for courage and strength.
Intense reflection and questions
The tragic incident comes in a particularly charged context, as just a few days ago, the House of Representatives said "no" to the immediate implementation of the bill for the regulation of lambratzia, which had been submitted by the Ministry of Justice.
The bill was discussed in the Legal Affairs Committee on April 9, with the Minister of Justice, Marios Hartsiotis, attempting to implement the new regulations from Easter this year. However, key points of disagreement with the Union of Municipalities – such as who will give the permit for the lampratzies and the timing of the implementation of the law – blocked the process. The Parliament decided not to proceed immediately with its vote, leaving the regulation of the lampratzia essentially "up in the air".
The tragic event once again puts on the table the necessity for institutional intervention and a strict framework for the operation of the lampratzia. Every year, despite the calls for attention and increased surveillance by the authorities, serious incidents occur, with this year culminating in the unjust loss of a young person.
The public debate is expected to intensify in the coming days, with the focus on both the executive and legislative powers, as well as the local authorities, on whether and when the institutionalization of strict and applicable rules for lambratzias will proceed.
