Carnival time in Cyprus is almost here! From February 1 to 4, the town crier will announce the arrival of Carnival throughout Limassol. The carnival was celebrated in ancient Greece and was organized in honor of the god Dionysus. The ancient Greeks dressed in various costumes, wore masks, played games, and had parties that lasted for days. Custom and tradition are still strong today. Carnival in Cyprus is a two-week period of celebrations with a focus on food, festivities, and games before the 50-day fast 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 it falls on Valentine’s Day, February 14. This is when the Grand Carnival Parade in Limassol takes place. “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 the cheese week, you will find many fresh and seasonal specialities, 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 at the moment and so is a pie filled with pumpkin which 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 skies full of kites which is a site to see and tradition throughout the island.
The Carnival festivities begin on the Thursday of Meat Week. Festival highlights include the entrance of the Carnival King, the Children’s Carnival Parade, the Serenaders Parade, and the Grand Carnival Parade of floats and groups. Festivities take place in towns all over the island, Limassol is home to the most famous celebration and has the most festivities. Larnaca and Paphos also offer impressive parades, costume parties and decoration of the city.
In Paphos, Winters Home Plaza has already started dressing up in their carnival costumes. His store is excellent and located on Mesogi Road on the way to Polis. Get ready now to have fun, stay safe and enjoy!
Some important dates for the upcoming festivities: Sunday February 14 – 13:30 Grand Carnival Parade in Limassol / Monday February 15 – Green Monday / Friday April 2 – Good Friday / Sunday April 4 – Easter