Larnaka city’s patron saint – Agios Lazaros (Saint Lazarus) - is greatly revered and honoured in a unique procession held only in Larnaka eight days before Easter on Lazarus Saturday.

This year’s procession takes place on Saturday, April 4, 2026. After the evening church service at Saint Lazarus Church, the reliquary of Larnaka city’s patron saint is paraded through the city centre streets accompanied by dignitaries, citizens and organised bands. All are welcome to follow the procession. A fete is also held at the square by the church.

So who was Agios Lazaros, and why is he so important for Larnaka city?

Arriving on the island at the age of 30 after being resurrected by Jesus, Agios Lazaros was ordained as Bishop of Kition by the Apostles Barnabas and Paul, and then lived in the city for 30 years.

Byzantine Emperor Leo VI (King Leo the Wise) was such an admirer of the saint that he built a church in his honour during the 9th century. Saint Lazarus Church remains one of Larnaka city’s most defining landmarks and most visited monuments. Visitors can see the saint’s tomb in the basement, and listen to a character narration of Leo the Wise telling the story of the church’s origins as part of the Larnaka Storytelling Statues.

There is also a rich museum in the churches grounds - the ‘Byzantine Museum of Saint Lazarus’. The museum can be explored virtually as part of the Larnaka Virtual Museum series in lieu of a visit, or whilst at the museum as a virtual tour guide.

The Deputy Ministry of Tourism's audio guide on Agios Lazaros and the Byzantine Museum (here) can also be downloaded to listen to whilst visiting.

And the saint’s legend is even connected to the famous Larnaka Salt Lake! There are two versions of why the saint turned the once-vineyards into salt flats, which you can discover in the video here.