Carnival time in Cyprus is almost here! From February 1 to 4, the town crier will announce the arrival of Carnival throughout Limassol. Carnival was held in ancient Greece and was organized in honor of the god Dionysos. The ancient Greeks dressed in various costumes, wore masks, played games, and had parties that lasted for days. Custom and tradition are still going strong today. Carnival in Cyprus is a two-week period of celebrations that focuses on food, festivities and games before the 50 days of fasting before Easter.

The first week of Carnival is called Meat Week or “Kreatini” as it is the last week to eat meat before Easter. The second week is known as cheese week or “Tyrini”. The last Sunday of Cheese Week is the highlight of Carnival and this year falls on Valentine’s Day, February 14. This is when the Grand Carnival Parade takes place in Limassol. “Green Monday” or also sometimes called “Clean Monday” always follows the 2 week Carnival festivities, which is also the first day of Lent and a national holiday in Cyprus and Greece.

During cheese week, you will find many fresh and seasonal specialties, such as the Greek pastry “bourekia”, which is filled with mint-flavored cheese or other delicious sweets such as “daktyla” and “kandaifi. “Cheese ravioli are popular right now and so is a pumpkin filled pie that is not as sweet as the others mentioned above. Many Cypriots will pack a picnic on Green Monday and head to the countryside where their picnic feast will include vegetables, olives , bread, salads, local wines, beers and other drinks You will see the sky full of kites that is a site to see and an island tradition.

The Carnival festivities begin on Thursday of Meat Week. Festival highlights include the King’s Carnival entrance, the Children’s Carnival Parade, the Serenade Parade, and the Grand Carnival Parade of cars and groups. The festivities take place in villages across the island, Limassol hosts the most famous celebration and has the most festivities. Larnaca and Paphos also offer impressive parades, costume parties, and city decorations.

In Paphos, Winters Home Plaza has already started donning their carnival costumes. Their store is great and it’s located on Mesogi Road on the road to Polis. Get ready now to have fun, stay safe and enjoy it!

Some important dates for the next holidays: Sunday February 14 – 1:30 p.m. Grand Carnival Parade in Limassol / Monday February 15 – Green Monday / Friday April 2 – Good Friday / Sunday April 4 – Easter