Limassol, Cyprus. Limassol enters carnival season on Thursday as Tsiknopempti marks the start of celebrations leading to the grand parade on Sunday, February 22. The Cyprus Carnival runs from February 12 to 22 with events across the island.
Island-wide programme and Limassol theme
Events are planned in Nicosia, Paphos, Larnaca, Paralimni and other towns, while Limassol is the focal point under this year’s theme, “Limassol Madness”.
Traditional “First Foukou” and city centre gatherings
The festivities are set to begin at 7.30pm with the lighting of the traditional “First Foukou” at the Lemesos Media Group offices on Omonia Street. From 10am, music and the smell of grilled meat are expected in the city centre, with gatherings outside Eurobank on Gladstonos Street and the Bank of Cyprus on Agiou Andreou Street, opposite Ayia Napa church.
Saripolou Square performances
Saripolou Square is scheduled to host events from early afternoon, with Kantadoroi Limassol set to perform at 1.30pm alongside municipal officials and members of the carnival “royal family”.
Coronation events and procession
At 5.30pm, attention is expected to shift to Grigoris Afxentiou square near the district administration building for the coronation of the “Queen of Passion and Madness,” with live music from the band Lopodytes. At 7pm, the mayor and municipal council, accompanied by the Philharmonic band and majorettes, are set to proceed from the Municipal Hall, joined along the route by the vocal group Ariones and a float carrying this year’s queen. The coronation ceremony is scheduled for 7.30pm, with the Queen of Passion and Madness portrayed by long-time carnivalista Amaryllis Kyriakou.
Party and building light display
Celebrations are set to continue with a party titled “Back to the 80s and 90s,” featuring Cypriot artists and a DJ set, while lights transform the District Administration building.
Which of the scheduled Tsiknopempti events in Limassol do you plan to attend?
