November is the eleventh month of the year and the last of autumn. In the old Roman calendar, it held the ninth place and its name rooted from the Latin word “novem”, meaning nine. When January and February were later added, November shifted to eleventh place but kept its original name.

November is regarded as the most suitable month for sowing, that’s why is also known as the Sower (Cyp. Sporias). On November the 3^rd, the Cypriots celebrate the feast day of Saint George the Sower, a day that traditionally marks the beginning of the sowing season. A well-known saying captures this spirit: “A field in November, sow it, no matter what condition it is in” (Cyp. Horafin tou Niovri, sgion tz’ an to vreis”), meaning that the field, muddy or not, must be sown.

The setting of the Pleiades star cluster occurs in mid-November, signaling the arrival of cold weather. According to tradition, this marks the time for farmers to complete sowing and for shepherds to lead their flocks to winter pastures. The wisdom of our ancestors is beautifully reflected in the saying: “November has shut the oxen in the stable, and there is neither a shepherd on the mountains nor a farmer in the field”.

On November 14^th, the feast day of Saint Philip is celebrated with family gatherings and lavish feasts, as the following day marks the beginning of the fasting period that lasts until Christmas. For this reason, the day is also known as the Christmas Carnival (Cyp. Apokries ton Christougennon). In earlier times, all matchmaking would end on this day as engagement ceremonies were not held during Lent.

A popular folk song talks about this old custom: “Saint Philip’s day has passed and I am still …” (Cyp. T’ Ai Filippou perasen tz’ ego akoma na…).

November is the main month of the olive harvest. The olives ripen from mid to late autumn, marking the start of a period known in Cyprus as Ladia, which lasts until March. Follow the “Divine Olive Oil” route and discover the island’s rich olive tradition.

Other important Saint feast days in November include those of Archangels Michael and Gabriel on the 8^th, the Presentation of Virgin Mary on the 21^st, Saint Catherine on the 25^th, Saint Stylianos on the 26^th (patron saint of children), and Apostle Andreas on the 30^th. The latter is one of the most significant feast days in Cyprus where the Apostle is especially revered. Many people bear the names Andreas, Andri, or Androulla, so don’t forget to wish them “Chronia polla” – “Many Happy Returns”.

Religious fairs, known as panigyria, are a cherished tradition in our villages, celebrating their patron saints. They begin on the eve of the feast with a Vespers service and continue throughout the following day. This month, panigyria will take place in the village of Vavla on the 11^th for Saint Minas and in Choirokitia on the 27^th for Saint Iakovos tou Persou.