Limassol Carnival

The Limassol Carnival runs for about two weeks before the start of Orthodox Lent, so it falls in February or early March depending on when Orthodox Easter lands that year. 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 King 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 the seafront and through the centre of the city. 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.