Limassol, Cyprus. Carnival events across Cyprus begin this week with Tsiknopempti and continue through next weekend, highlighted by the main Sunday parade in Limassol. Municipalities and organisers in Limassol, Nicosia and Larnaca have scheduled parades, performances and parties.
Tsiknopempti launches the season in Limassol
The island marks Tsiknopempti on Thursday, traditionally associated with souvlaki and the aroma of grilled meats, and the day also signals the start of the carnival season. In Limassol, the Limassol Municipality has planned events starting at 10am, followed by performances by Kantadoroi Lemesou at Saripolou Square at 1.30pm.
A central evening programme is scheduled for 7pm on Anexartisias Street, featuring the Carnival Queen, the mayor, the Municipality’s Philharmonic band, the Majorettes and the Afro-Brazilian percussion band Batukinio. The opening includes music, drums and confetti, and the crowning of the Carnival Queen.
A live performance titled Back to the 80s and 90s is set to follow, along with a DJ set from LeSkouf.
Nicosia events in Kaimakli and Aglantzia
In Nicosia, the Kaimakli neighbourhood will hold a carnival day on Saturday with a parade on Ayiou Ilarionos Avenue at 12pm, followed by a party at the Seventh Elementary School of Kaimakli.
Also in Nicosia, Film Etc Creative Space will host a Carnival Fiesta with live music by the Windcraft Band, featuring 25 musicians and a setlist ranging from disco to funk. DJ Mario is scheduled to play between live sets.
The JOEY Aglantzia Carnival in Nicosia is set to feature 8,000 participants marching down Kerynias Avenue, with DJ booths, music, floats and dancing groups.
Larnaca parade and city-centre dance event
Larnaca will hold a seafront carnival parade on Sunday at 11am, with the municipality inviting residents, visitors and carnival participants to Athinon Avenue (Finikoudes) for floats, dancers and performers. The parade is scheduled to conclude at Zouhouri Square, where further dancing, song and music will take place.
In Larnaca’s city centre, the Carnival Daydream Dance Party will take place at Sunmoon Creative Space from 5pm to 11pm and is open to people aged 30 and above.
Cabaret carnival show scheduled in Limassol
In Limassol, The Masquerade Affair, described as a Venetian cabaret carnival show, is scheduled for February 21 at Theama Venue. The programme is set to begin at 10pm, followed by a DJ party.
Which of the upcoming carnival parades or parties do you plan to attend?