The Carnival

The Carnival held in Limassol is the largest and one of the most famous festivals in Cyprus. It is undoubtedly one of the city's brightest yearly events. On the Thursday of Creatine, 10 days before Lent, or 50 days before Orthodox Easter, Carnival begins (Meat Week, as it is the last week for eating meat before Lent). The Carnival King, dressed for the occasion, enters the city to kick off the festivities. On Sunday, the youngest take part in the Children's Parade, after which the Serenaders' presentations take center stage. Many hotels and clubs host fancy-dress parties over the 10-day Carnival period.

The Carnival reaches its pinnacle on the Sunday of Tyranny (Cheese Week, when cheese and other dairy items are permitted to be ingested). The Grand Carnival Parade takes place around this time. Along Limassol's Makariou III Avenue, colorful floats and groups of fancy-dressed people sing and dance. The majority of events are free.

When: Late February/ Early March

Where: Limassol