The recent debate in the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs on the "lampratzies" and the uproar that broke out, brings back a problem that has plagued Cypriot communities for years: the diversion of a traditional custom into a hotbed of violence, disasters and dangers to human life.
The Church of Cyprus now openly expresses its disagreement with the continuation of the custom, as long as such a situation can be maintained as a custom, in the precincts of the churches during the liturgy of the Resurrection, putting on the table reasonable concerns for the respect of the sacred space and, above all, for the safety of the faithful and beyond. The images that unfold every year are certainly not in line with the spirit but even more so with the resurrection message: fires, violent clashes, destruction of property, injuries – and even loss of life. It is attempted by the other legislative regulation, which, although promising, cannot function as a guarantee, because we simply live in Cyprus, which we know so well.
The question that arises is so serious: when does a custom cease to be a custom and become just an occasion for an outpouring of mania? In the case of the "lampratzia", the mutation is now so obvious. A custom that in other times strengthened the collective and gave a special colour to the festive character of Easter, today degenerates into an act of violence and provocation. It allows sacred spaces to be turned into arenas...
The issue, however, from another but essential aspect, is not only regulatory or police – it is also deeply educational. It is simply a matter of education. The systematic absence of substantial education – school, family, social – leaves a huge void that is filled with antisocial behaviours.
When young people are not taught the value of respect, responsibility and the collective good, then neither customs can survive, nor can any arguments stand.
Solutions are needed that are not limited to repression, but to prevention and the redefinition of things and concepts. Through actions of culture, dialogue and participation of young people, a custom in its manifestation and expression can be linked to its roots and function authentically as an element of identity – not as a field of conflict.
The "lampratzies" are ultimately another mirror of ours. And what is reflected today urgently calls us to redefine what culture means in practice.
