Overview

The "Stone of the Newlyweds", located at the entrance of Old Kakopetria, holds a special place in the traditions of the village. Newlywed couples used to visit this large stone after their wedding ceremony to perform a ritual that symbolized their hopes for a strong and prosperous marriage. They would walk around the stone, sit on it, and offer prayers for their union. However, the "Stone of the Newlyweds" is not just associated with joyful traditions; it also has a tragic tale connected to it. According to local oral tradition, a couple who approached the stone for the ritual met a devastating end when the stone rolled down from the mountain and crushed them. This poignant story is said to be the origin of the village's name, Kakopetria, which translates to "Bad Stone" in Greek. Thus, the stone's significance encompasses both the joy of new beginnings and the reminder of a tragic event, adding a unique layer to the cultural heritage of Kakopetria.