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Limassol Carnival
Photo: Sergey Galyonkin from Kyiv, Ukraine via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)
carnivalEvent

Limassol Carnival

Cyprus carnival of parades and costumes

WhenMarch 4-14, 2027
WhereLimassol, Limassol District
CostFree to watch the street parades; some indoor balls and events are ticketed
FrequencyAnnual
Type
Carnival
When
March 4-14, 2027
Duration
11 days
Location
Limassol
Cost
Free to watch the street parades; some indoor balls and events are ticketed
Frequency
Annual
Attendance
The largest carnival in Cyprus, with very large crowds on the final parade day
Family friendly
Yes
First held
The grand parade tradition dates to the early 20th century, with a noted 1928 procession
Local name
Karnavali Lemesou (Limassol Carnival)
Best arrival
Before the scheduled parade start, to find a spot along the route
What to wear
Warm layers for cool late-winter air; a costume if you want to join in
Food highlights
Loukoumades and street sweetsSouvlaki and grilled snacksSeasonal carnival treats from bakeries
Warnings
Keep belongings secure in dense crowdsDress warmly for cool eveningsConfirm the parade date, which moves with the Orthodox calendar
What to bring
A warm jacketWater and snacksA cameraCash for street food
The overview

Limassol Carnival

The Limassol Carnival runs for about two weeks before the start of Orthodox Lent, so its dates move with Orthodox Easter. In 2027 it runs from 4 to 14 March. It is the largest carnival celebration in Cyprus, centred on Limassol, and it draws crowds from across the island.

The festival opens with the entrance of the carnival monarch and includes a children's parade, masked balls and a serenade night, before building to the grand parade on the final Sunday. That closing procession sends decorated floats and costumed groups along Archbishop Makarios III Avenue. As now practised, the Limassol carnival carries influences from the Venetian period of the 15th and 16th centuries, layered onto older festive traditions.

What to expect

Streets near the route close to traffic, and the atmosphere is family-friendly during the day and livelier at night around the bars and squares. The old town and the seafront promenade are the natural base for the day. If you are spending longer in the region, the historic sites at Ancient Kourion and Kolossi Castle sit a short drive west.

  • The grand parade is held on the Sunday before Orthodox Lent begins.
  • Watching the parades is free; arrive early for a spot along the route.
  • For the autumn side of the city's calendar, see the Limassol Wine Festival.

Dress warmly, as evenings in late winter are cool, and confirm the parade date for the current year before you travel since it moves with the Orthodox calendar. For more on the city, read our Limassol guide.

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In pictures

Photo gallery

Costumed group at the Limassol Carnival, 2014

Photo: Sergey Galyonkin from Kyiv, Ukraine via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

When is the Limassol Carnival?

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It runs for about two weeks before the start of Orthodox Lent, so its dates move with Orthodox Easter. In 2027 it runs from 4 to 14 March. The grand parade is held on the Sunday before Lent begins.

Is the Limassol Carnival the biggest in Cyprus?

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Yes. Carnival is celebrated in several towns, but the Limassol celebration is the largest and most popular on the island, ending with a parade of decorated floats and costumed groups.

Does it cost anything to watch the parade?

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No, watching the street parades is free. Some indoor events such as masked balls are ticketed. Arrive early to find a good spot along the parade route.

Where does the grand parade go?

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The closing procession follows Archbishop Makarios III Avenue. Streets near the route close to traffic on parade day.

What should I wear to the carnival?

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Dress warmly, as late-winter evenings in Cyprus are cool. Costumes are common but not required, and the daytime atmosphere is family-friendly.
Plan your visit

Limassol Carnival

When
March 4-14, 2027
Duration: 11 days
Location
City centre streets and the seafront promenade, Limassol
Limassol District
Cost
Free
This event is in Limassol →