Cyprus

In the heart of the Mediterranean, Cyprus celebrates Christmas with a unique and cherished tradition known as "Kalanda" or "Kalanta." This festive custom involves groups of carolers (adults and children) moving from house to house, spreading joy through the melodious sounds of traditional Christmas songs. This tradition is deeply rooted in the country's culture and is a joyful way for people to celebrate the holiday season.
When the carolers visit homes, it is customary for the residents to offer treats or small gifts as a gesture of hospitality and to show appreciation for the performance. These treats can vary, but they are often either nuts, fruits, homemade cookies and traditional bakes (such as the spicy syrup-drenched buns Melomakarona, the shortbread buscuits Kourambiedes, and the sesame bread Koulouria), or small packaged sweets and snacks.
Despite the fact that there may be some variations in the way Kalanda is celebrated in different parts of Cyprus, the exchange of treats during this tradition adds a communal and festive aspect to the Christmas celebrations on the island by fostering a sense of community spirit and togetherness.

The exchange of treats during Kalanda is a gesture of hospitality, symbolizing the warmth and generosity of the season. Families prepare in advance, stocking up on a variety of sweets to share with the carolers who bring music and merriment to their doorstep.

In recent times, the convenience of sourcing treats in bulk has become a game-changer for families looking to enhance their Kalanda offerings when their time for baking homemade treats is limited due to their busy schedules. Buying such treats from the local grocery or candy stores has never been easier since more and more wholesale confectionery suppliers, such as Contest Distribution, deliver a wide array of imported sweet delights and FMCGs of European and American origin. From traditional candies to contemporary chocolates, the options are as diverse as the melodies of Kalanda.

Bulk sweets are the cornerstone of Kalanda treats. Wholesale suppliers offer tons of them, from classic candies to trendy confections, making sure that every caroler finds something to savor. Besides the well-known Mars, Snickers, Twix, and Bounty individually wrapped candy bars, there is an array of treats beyond traditional candies. From artisanal chocolates to gourmet sweets, every family in Cyprus can now create even more memorable holiday experiences with a touch of sophistication by tasting new imported treats.

In the digital age, the convenience of online shopping has extended to wholesale sweets. Local supermarkets and candy shops can explore a wide range of options, place orders, have the treats delivered, and effortlessly stock up on treats, simplifying their preparation for Kalanda and leaving them with more time to focus on other aspects of the festive season.

When offering packaged treats to carolers during the Christmas season, you may consider a variety of items that are easy to share and enjoy. Here are some ideas for packaged treats:

Packaged boxes or tins of assorted cookies can be a delightful treat for carolers. Choose a mix of flavours and textures to cater to different preferences. Oreo, Chips Ahoy, BelVita are just a few brand names that can be a great reminder of what these festive treats are all about.

A box of chocolates or individually wrapped chocolate candies is a classic and indulgent option. Merci, Rafaello, Ferrero Rocher, and Lindt are the first names to pop up when we think about individually wrapped exquisite chocolate, but there are quite a few other brands, such as Milka and Toblerone, that are as good as the classics mentioned above.

Offer a selection of individually wrapped candies, such as peppermints, hard candies, or festive holiday-themed sweets. M&M’s, Skittles, Twix, Mars, Bounty, and Snickers are the absolute favourites international treats of thousands of people with a sweet tooth worldwide.

Packaged nuts or dried fruit mixes can be a healthy and satisfying option for those who appreciate a snack with a bit of crunch.

Pre-packaged popcorn, especially in holiday-themed packaging, can be a fun and easy-to-share treat.

Create or purchase holiday-themed snack mixes with a combination of nuts, pretzels, dried fruits, and chocolates. Sometimes even the classic snacks like Ruffles, Lay’s, or Pringles potato chips are also a good option.

Consider individually wrapped mini cakes, pastries, or cupcakes for a more substantial sweet treat.

Look for treats specifically designed for the holiday season, such as gingerbread cookies, holiday-shaped chocolates, or festive-themed candies. Milka is one of the most popular brands imported in Cyprus to launch new holiday chocolate flavours every year, including gingerbread cookies, cinnamon flavoured, etc. Some confectionery manufacturers sell wholesale chocolate sweets in various Christmas shapes (decorative Christmas tree balls, Santa, reindeer, and many more).
Offering a variety of packaged treats ensures that there's something for everyone to enjoy as they celebrate the joy of the season.

The combination of wholesale candy and confectionery brings a perfect balance to Kalanda treats. Families can blend the timeless charm of candies with the rich flavors of confectionery, ensuring that their offerings are a hit among carolers of all ages.

As Cyprus resonates with the harmonies of Kalanda, the tradition of offering packaged treats to carolers adds an extra layer of sweetness to the festive season. Thanks to wholesale confectionery suppliers like Contest Distribution, the process of preparing for Kalanda has become more accessible and enjoyable for families across the island. As the carolers sing going door-to-door and the treats are shared, the essence of Christmas in Cyprus is captured in the delightful combination of music, tradition, and, of course, the irresistible sweetness of wholesale confectionery.