Nicosia, Cyprus. Music, dancing and thousands of costumed revellers are set to fill the streets of Nicosia on February 15 for the Joey Carnival of Aglandjia 2026. Organisers expect more than 8,000 participants, with actor Michalis Sofokleous as King of Carnival.
Parade route and schedule
Nicosia mayor Charalambos Prountzos said at a Thursday conference that the family-friendly, dog-welcoming event will culminate in a parade on Sunday, February 15, starting at 11.30am from the junction of Kyrenia Avenue and Glafkou Cleridi Street and ending at Karava Street.
Municipal support after 2024 unification
Prountzos said this will be the second year the festival is held under Nicosia municipality, following the official unification with Aglandjia, Engomi and Ayios Dhometios in 2024. He said the municipality would continue supporting important events and good practices of the former municipalities.
He said the carnival will “highlight our city and bring all residents together, giving them the opportunity to leave everyday life and routine behind for a while.”
Prountzos also thanked Sofokleous for accepting the invitation to the family-oriented event, adding that “we really could not imagine a better king.”
Sixteen-year history
Aglandjia deputy mayor Andreas Constantinou recapped the carnival’s 16-year history, saying it began as a private initiative by a resident, Chryso Anastasiou, and has since grown into one of the city’s largest institutions.
Tsiknopempti prelude and city-centre route
Nicosia cultural committee president Leoni Orfanidou said the carnival will also include a Tsiknopempti prelude featuring a “tram of joy” travelling through central Nicosia. The tram will stop at Makariou Avenue, Stasikratous, and the pedestrian streets of Ledra and Onasagorou, concluding at noon at Lellos Demetriades Square near Cyens.
Sponsors and coverage
Organisers said the event is supported by main sponsors including the Bank of Cyprus and Joey, and will have live coverage from CyBC.
Will you attend the Joey Carnival of Aglandjia parade in Nicosia on February 15?