Carnival Time in Cyprus

Latest News from Cyprus – It’s Carnival Time Again! (23.2.09)

If you want to hear the latest news from Cyprus, or just an interesting fact about what’s happening on the island, then tune in to our weekly newsletter.

This week we’re talking Carnival - we’ve decided to forget all the financial and economic woes of the world and bring you news of one of the biggest events of the year in Cyprus and especially in Limassol, where they take their carnival - and having fun - very seriously indeed. If you’re going to be in Limassol during the next week or so, then this is an event really worth seeing.

The Carnival takes place in weeks leading up to the beginning of the Lenten period, which traditionally meant 40 days of fasting before Easter.

Although fewer people fast strictly these days, it’s still a great excuse for a party and it’s one that the people of Limassol in particular do with style, dressing up in amazing fancy dress costumes and enjoying music and dance events which culminate in the Grand Carnival Parade, which this year takes place next Sunday, 1st March.

The following day is known as Green Monday and it’s a holiday in Cyprus, partly so that everyone can recover, but also to celebrate the official start of the period of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Far from being a low-key occasion, it's celebrated with family gatherings, kite-flying, picnics and the eating of special fasting food.

Here are the details of what’s going on so that you can join in too if you want to. Have a great carnival.

Tuesday 24th February – 8.30pm

The best place to be is the Medieval Castle Square where adults and children alike get dressed up to enjoy a bit of carnival fun and enjoy some music and dancing. You’ll see some amazing costumes because everyone is hoping to get a prize – there are awards for the best three costumes.

Thursday 26th February – 8.00pm

Close to the ‘A’ Municipal Market there will be an outdoor music event with several choirs, including the Mousikes Periplanisis Choir, the Ariones Choir and the Limassol Serenaders. The Dreams Choir and Elena Solea will also sing and invite everyone there to join in with the singing and dancing.

Sunday 1st March – 1.30pm

This is the day of the big carnival parade and it’s an event really worth seeing. Everyone marches down Archbishop Makarios III Avenue towards the Ayia Sofia traffic lights. The grand parade is led by the carnival’s ‘Royal Couple’ and their entourage, followed by everyone else in their finery. It’s a day of fun, festivities and laughter and it doesn’t come to an end until late. The day’s events finish at the Medieval Castle square at 8.30pm where there is a magnificent ball and fireworks. It’s a fantastic event which shouldn’t be missed.

If you want more information about specific Limassol celebrations, call (00357) 25-342153/745919