Ayia Napa Medieval Festival opens with free performances, concerts and family activities
The Ayia Napa Medieval Festival 2026 runs from October 14 to 18, featuring international performers, concerts, a parade, exhibitions and children’s activities, with free admission.
Ayia Napa, Cyprus. The Ayia Napa Medieval Festival 2026 opens today, Wednesday, October 14, with folklore bands, knights, fire performers, musicians and dancers. The town’s medieval-themed programme continues through Sunday, October 18, with performances open to everyone free of charge.
Opening evening and musical programme
International performers will begin the opening evening’s street entertainment at 7pm, setting off from Makarios Avenue. Speeches will precede the music during the official opening ceremony, scheduled for 8.30pm.
Ria Ellinidou takes the stage at 9pm, performing her hits alongside favourite songs from Greek popular music.
The October 15 programme features The Heritage of Tradition in the Kokkinochoria, a production combining music, dance and theatre. It explores the area’s intangible cultural heritage through songs, dances, local-dialect poetry and tales preserved in folk memory.
At 9pm on October 16, Petros and Michalis Kouloumis will perform with Maria Anamaterou in Cyprus – Cyclades: A Sea of Songs, bringing together the musical traditions of both regions.
Saturday parade and tribute concert
The annual Medieval Parade, a central festival event that regularly draws crowds, starts at 7pm on Saturday, October 17. Its route follows Archbishop Makarios III Avenue from the harbour roundabout to the Medieval Monastery.
The procession will bring together queens, knights, mythical creatures, dancers and musicians. Participants include international arts groups, schools, cultural associations and local ensembles, with groups representing Ayia Napa, Sotira, Liopetri, Avgorou and Achna.
Music continues at 9pm with a tribute concert by Giota Negka. Paris Paraschou and Lefteris Pitsillidis will also feature, with accompaniment from the Panikos Hadjichambis Foundation’s Orpheas musical ensemble.
Exhibitions, crafts and children’s activities
Ceramics, paintings and historical displays will be presented during the festival, alongside demonstrations of traditional blacksmithing and practical pottery workshops.
Among this year’s highlights is The Myths of Cyprus, an exhibition produced by the Press and Information Office. The Ayios Epifanios Cultural Academy is hosting it within the Medieval Monastery’s museum spaces, where it will remain accessible until November 8.
A Children’s Corner will run nightly between 7pm and 10pm. Activities include shadow theatre, storytelling featuring medieval fairytales, creative craft sessions and a treasure hunt. Stalls will also display traditional products and Cypriot handicrafts.
Closing celebrations
On the festival’s final day, the closing ceremony begins at 8.30pm. International artistic groups will then present a large themed finale continuing until 11pm. Admission is free.
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