Cypriots like to celebrate, and while it can be argued that they celebrate the little things in every day life, they know how to party big when the occasion calls for it.
In addition to Cyprus national holidays which are recognised throughout the country, there are also Cyprus festivals which are local to certain regions or even towns – all of which can be great fun or a huge headache, depending on whether you’ve planned to be caught in the midst of a festival in Cyprus.
The list below is a combination of national public holidays in Cyprus and well-known local festivals – and it’s by no means a comprehensive list. With all the saints days and local food festivals in Cyprus, it’s not a stretch to say that something is being celebrated somewhere in Cyprus almost on every day of the year.
Limassol carnival (February - March)
The festival begins two weeks before the start of lent. The festival opens with the parade of the Carnival King entering the town, signalling the start of masquerades, feasting and partying.
During this festival you will see minstrels wandering the streets with guitars and mandolins, masquerading, children’s parades and fancy dress. There are balls held in many of the hotels nightly. The Festival culminates in the Grand Carnival Parade which takes place on the last Sunday of the festival before Green Monday (the first day of lent).
In addition to Cyprus national holidays which are recognised throughout the country, there are also Cyprus festivals which are local to certain regions or even towns – all of which can be great fun or a huge headache, depending on whether you’ve planned to be caught in the midst of a festival in Cyprus.
The list below is a combination of national public holidays in Cyprus and well-known local festivals – and it’s by no means a comprehensive list. With all the saints days and local food festivals in Cyprus, it’s not a stretch to say that something is being celebrated somewhere in Cyprus almost on every day of the year.
Limassol carnival (February - March)
The festival begins two weeks before the start of lent. The festival opens with the parade of the Carnival King entering the town, signalling the start of masquerades, feasting and partying.
During this festival you will see minstrels wandering the streets with guitars and mandolins, masquerading, children’s parades and fancy dress. There are balls held in many of the hotels nightly. The Festival culminates in the Grand Carnival Parade which takes place on the last Sunday of the festival before Green Monday (the first day of lent).
Limassol Wine Festival :
The annual Cyprus Wine Festival is held annually in Limassol, Southern Cyprus. It celebrates wine and winemaking, and is attended by about 100,000 from all over the world. The event is considered a revival of ancient festivals which were held to worship Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love, and Dionysus, the god of wine.
The festival is held at the Limassol Municipal Gardens, which are easy to get to by public transport from Limassol city.
What to do at the Limassol Wine Festival
The wine festival is fun for people of all ages; adults, teens and children are all permitted entry. The festival lasts for two weeks, and involves music, comedy, theatre, parades, and Greek dancing.
Wine is of course heavily involved in the festivities, and adults will receive a bottle of wine when they pay their entrance fee. You will also get the chance to enjoy free samples of wine from the local wineries, and there will be plenty of nice food on offer.
The wine festival is all about forgetting your troubles, having a good time and celebrating life. I would recommend it to anybody visiting Cyprus during late August or early September.
Cyprus flower festival :
Kataklysmos, "Beginning of summer festival "
Street Life Festival :
If you’re visiting Cyprus in April, don’t miss the Street Life Festival in Limassol for a feast of graffiti artists, skateboarders and beat boys. In fact everyone is encouraged to take part; daubing the walls or chalking the pavements as well as body or face painting. All will be accompanied by DJs, music and dancing too.
The festival is held at the Limassol Municipal Gardens, which are easy to get to by public transport from Limassol city.
What to do at the Limassol Wine Festival
The wine festival is fun for people of all ages; adults, teens and children are all permitted entry. The festival lasts for two weeks, and involves music, comedy, theatre, parades, and Greek dancing.
Wine is of course heavily involved in the festivities, and adults will receive a bottle of wine when they pay their entrance fee. You will also get the chance to enjoy free samples of wine from the local wineries, and there will be plenty of nice food on offer.
The wine festival is all about forgetting your troubles, having a good time and celebrating life. I would recommend it to anybody visiting Cyprus during late August or early September.
Cyprus flower festival :
Kataklysmos, "Beginning of summer festival "
Street Life Festival :
If you’re visiting Cyprus in April, don’t miss the Street Life Festival in Limassol for a feast of graffiti artists, skateboarders and beat boys. In fact everyone is encouraged to take part; daubing the walls or chalking the pavements as well as body or face painting. All will be accompanied by DJs, music and dancing too.
