Carnival atmosphere in Cyprus
Carnival atmosphere in Cyprus
Where to get into the carnival spirit
During Carnival season on the island, there is only one place to be - Limassol. Starting this week, carnival decorations, festivals and events will dominate the cultural program as locals prepare for the celebration.
And since it wouldn't be a proper Carnival without a good dose of dancing and singing, there are a number of live music performances scheduled. If you want to get a real taste of Brazil and Latin American carnival rhythms performed by artists who have studied them for years, these are the musical nights you can't miss over the next two weeks!
The fun starts this Thursday, Tsiknopempti – an almost holy day for the residents of Limassol. The municipality is preparing a great night with the arrival of the Carnival King in Grigori Afxenti Square at 7pm, accompanied by majorettes, the mayor and a percussion band. This will be the official start of the Limassol Carnival 2025. The event will be followed by a live performance by the Batukinio Percussion Band, where over 50 drummers will play Afro-Brazilian samba beats. The municipality has a full day of other events planned for Thursday, which you can find on their website .
That same evening, Kiklos Musiki will host a truly spectacular show that will entertain carnival and music lovers into the night. Local musicians, guest stars and dancers will belt out the samba rhythms in full force. The live music will start at 10pm and will include Latin pop, carnival songs and samba percussion performed by the Carnival Idol Live Band.
The music continues on Sunday, a week before the big Sunday parade. A salsa soiree will be held in the backyard of the Mason Bar with eight musicians from Latin America and Cyprus bringing the lively carnival spirit to life. The evening begins at 8:30 p.m. with local musicians playing hot carnival songs on saxophone, piano, bass, trumpet and drums.
For more explosive percussion beats and street music , catch the Batukinio Percussion Band at one of their free live performances. First they will be performing at Tsiknopempti around 7pm, then on Saturday at the Carnival Parade at the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort in Paphos, where all kinds of artists, musicians and dancers will be performing from 3.30pm until late at night.
Next, Batukinio will perform at the Limassol Municipality's Podarati festivities on February 27th at 8pm, starting a parade through the Old Town with majorettes and the Carnival King. Carnival festivities will reach another sunny shore, with Ayia Napa Marina also planning a Carnival Fiesta on March 1st. From 2pm-5pm, the marina will fill with Latin American dancers, percussion by Batukinio, acrobatic shows, Brazilian dancing and more live samba music.
The celebrations will end next Sunday, March 2, with the grand carnival parade in Limassol. Batukinio will kick things off again with a show at around 12pm before the band starts the parade, which lasts several hours and welcomes floats, dancers and people from all over the island who want to join in the confetti-soaked carnival spirit.
events of the Tsiknopempti community
Public event to kick off the Limassol Carnival. Parade, live music and arrival of the Carnival King. 20 February. Grigori Afxenti Square, Limassol. From 6pm. Free entry. www.limassol.org.cy
Carnival Pop Latin Party
Live samba carnival music and dancers. February 20. Kiklos Music, Limassol. 10pm. €15. Tel: 99-104552
carnival parade
Live music, samba dancers, floats and artists. February 22nd. Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, Paphos. 3.30pm. Tel.: 26-000000
salsa soiree
Six musicians play live carnival music. February 23. Mason Bar, Limassol. 8.30pm. €15. Tel: 99-211280
Carnival in the marina of Ayia Napa
Brazilian dancers, music, face painting, acrobats and more. March 1. Ayia Napa Marina. 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Here are more carnival dates in Cyprus!
Carnival events in Cyprus 2025
The Cyprus Carnival is one of the most popular and vibrant cultural events on the island. During the carnival season, the island comes alive with a colorful parade in all the towns, where people wear costumes and dance to traditional music. Limassol is the town that hosts the most carnival events across the island and hosts the largest parade in Europe. This year, the Cyprus Carnival 2025 will take place between February 20th and March 2nd, 2025 and promises to be bigger and better than ever.
If you are looking for a unique and exciting way to experience the culture and traditions of Cyprus, then the Limassol Carnival is the event for you. In this post, we take a closer look at what you can expect from the carnival season and provide you with a list of carnival events in Cyprus.
Last updated: February 16, 2025
Carnival events in Limassol
Entry of the Carnival King (March 20, 2025)
The Tsiknopempti parade and the arrival of the King in the city are led by the Flame King of the Limassol Carnival. The parade starts at Grigoris Auxentiou Square (in front of the Governor's Office), goes through the streets of the old town and ends again at Grigoris Auxentiou Square. Afterwards, a celebration begins with singing and dancing.
Join us for a family-friendly carnival event supported by Rave Baby Rave ! Featuring international DJ Dayah Modo , local artists, bouncy castles, craft areas, a teen rave party, toddler play areas and a quiet zone for sensory sensitive children.
🎟 Tickets include:
- RFID security wristbands
- craft kits (for children from 2 years)
- access to all activity zones
🌟 VIP perks:
- Front stage audience, exclusive areas, food vouchers, glowing swag and a family photo with Dayah Modo.
💫 Add-ons: Food vouchers (€12), light packs (€8), 360° photo souvenirs (€5) and more.
👨👩👧👦 All ages welcome: Fun for kids, teens, parents and grandparents with safe, inclusive activities. Tickets are limited - book now and create unforgettable carnival memories!
Join us for an unforgettable carnival party full of fun, laughter and fantastic entertainment! Enjoy live performances from the amazing Matthew Edmondson that are guaranteed to have you dancing and singing along!
Entrance tickets cost €5 and must be paid in advance. Meal tickets also cost €5 and must be paid in advance so you don't miss out on our delicious offers!
Serenaders event outside Perama (February 23, 2025)
Join us at 6:30pm for a heartfelt tribute at the Serenaders Event outside Perama, featuring performances by the Georgalletos Serenaders.
Cartoon Exhibition (February 24 – March 2, 2025)
On February 24, 2025 at 19:30, Lanitis Carob Mill will host a fascinating cartoon exhibition in collaboration with the Cyprus Cartoonists Association “GEL.A” and the Cartoon and Sketch Workshop “PIN”. In parallel, the Cyprus Photographic Society – Limassol Branch will present a photography exhibition. Both exhibitions will be open to the public until March 2, 2025 and offer a unique blend of visual artistry and creative expression.
Dance on Carnival Tuesday (February 25, 2025)
The Tuesday Dance , traditionally held in the medieval Castle Square , is a special and important part of the Limassol Carnival . It is also the ultimate classic gathering for carnival fans from all over the world! What happens here? Right after the night parade of Pellomaska (on Tuesday), we go down to the Castle, where the carnival-goers bring their energy, creativity and lively spirit, adding even more excitement to the festivities.
There will be a retro-style music show with Tony Sfino and his band , all dressed up in matching costumes to keep the mood high. The carnival party will continue with music and dancing, led by DJ Mad Max . In addition to the fun , competitions will be held for the best Pellomaska and the most creative mask , with prizes awarded to the three best costumes !
Starting point: Agkyras Street (in front of the mosque)
End point: Medieval castle square
End point: Medieval castle square
Carnival Thursday Dance (February 27, 2025)
The Thursday Dance , traditionally held in the medieval Castle Square , is a special and important part of the Limassol Carnival . It is also the ultimate classic gathering for carnival fans from all over the world! What happens here? Right after the evening carnival walk (on Thursday), we head down to the Castle, where carnival-goers bring their energy, creativity and lively spirit, adding even more excitement to the festivities.
On Thursday 27 February , a special Thursday Dance will take place in the Medieval Castle Square . Get ready to sing and dance with Vasilis Kazoulis and his group consisting of Nikos Ziogalas, Lakis Papadopoulos and Giannis Giokarinis!
The night will be full of Greek and English songs , offering an explosive mix of rhythm, energy and electrifying performances , including surprise duets and big hits .
Carnival-goers also have the opportunity to take part in the Pellomaska and Creative Mask Competitions , where the three most imaginative and inventive costumes win prizes!
Children's Carnival Parade (February 23, 2025)
On Sunday morning there is a special occasion for the little ones at the children's carnival parade on the city's coastal road.
Starting point : Küstenstraße, traffic lights at the Stadtgarten.
End: 2nd parking lot on the coast – next to the Café “Red”
End: 2nd parking lot on the coast – next to the Café “Red”
Come to our retro carnival party at the Carob Mill on Saturday, March 1st, 2025 ! 🎉 Doors open at 10pm, DJ Kyriakos will be playing retro hits all night long. 🕺💃 Entrance fee: 50 EURO with open bar . You don't want to miss this!
🎭 The Scarabeo Wonderland Carnival Party is coming to Guaba Beach Bar on March 1st for the sickest carnival atmosphere on the island! 🤡 Join the legendary Scarabeo crew as they bring the magic of Nicosia to Limassol and transform Guaba into a carnival wonderland. Four incredible DJs – Pettis N and Leno.P – will light up the night with epic beats including R&B, hip-hop, EDM and more. 🎶 Doors open at 8pm, pre-sale tickets cost €20 (including 1 drink) and a carnival dress code is a must! Strictly 18+ . Info and RSVP: 96733994 / 96340000. Don't miss out!
Great Carnival Parade (March 2, 2025)
Stay tuned
End the Carnival weekend with a bang at our wild closing party ! 🎉 Dance the night away with Creole , accompanied by Rockstar RnB & Naughty By Nature , who bring costumes, energy and an unforgettable atmosphere.
🪩 Line-up: VEIRA | DJ ENGLEZOS | DJ LOUW | WHITE T
🔥 Limited number of VIP tables available – book now! WhatsApp/Telegram: +357 96340000 or DM us on Instagram/Facebook.
🎆 Costumes. Music. Carnival energy. Don't miss it!
🪩 Line-up: VEIRA | DJ ENGLEZOS | DJ LOUW | WHITE T
🔥 Limited number of VIP tables available – book now! WhatsApp/Telegram: +357 96340000 or DM us on Instagram/Facebook.
🎆 Costumes. Music. Carnival energy. Don't miss it!
Carnival Closing Party (March 2, 2025)
One of the biggest parties of the Carnival starts right after the big parade on Sunday 2nd March at 21:00 . We say goodbye to the Limassol Carnival with a spectacular open air Carnival dance party !
The square in front of the Old Port is transformed into the biggest live stage of the Carnival , with spacious bars serving drinks all night long and top DJs – DJ Le Skouf, DJ Mitsingkass and DJ Alex M – keeping the energy high with a full Carnival music lineup full of fun, rhythm and non-stop dancing!
In addition, three of the most imaginative carnival visitors will be rewarded with prizes in the Pellomaska and Creative Mask competitions !
Carnival events in Paphos
Carnival parade in Peyia (February 23, 2025)
The Akamas community is hosting a festive celebration in Coral Bay on Sunday 23 February 2025. The event will bring the community together for a lively event full of music, dancing and fun activities.
Great Carnival Parade (March 1, 2025)
The Pafos Municipality invites you to join the Paphos Carnival 2025 parade on Griva Digeni Avenue on Saturday 1st March at 15:00. Get ready for a lively celebration as the streets fill with music, colours and festive energy and teams and floats create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Carnival events in Nicosia
Enter the enchanting world of a historical circus on February 22nd and 23rd from 12:00pm to 3:00pm! Join us for two days of carnival fun, arts and crafts at the Mall of Engomi. Let the magic begin!
Carnival parade in Nicosia (February 23, 2025)
The Nicosia Carnival Parade will take place on Friday, February 23, 2025 at 11:30 am along Kerinia Avenue, bringing excitement and color to the heart of the city.
Carnival events in Ammochostos
Paralimni Carnival Parade (March 2, 2025)
The Paralimni Carnival Parade will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 14:00 in the town center in front of St. George's Church .
Carnival events in Larnaca
Come to a carnival party with live entertainment from the AMAZING Mr. Clown! Fun for children and adults is guaranteed! Date: 02/22 Time: 16:00 Tickets are sold in advance. Price including buffet and entertainment: Adults: €15.00 Children over 2 years: €10.00 Children under 2 years: FREE For information and reservations: 24400654 Tickets are sold in advance.
Carnival parade in Larnaca (February 23, 2025)
The Larnaca Carnival Parade will take place on Sunday 23 February 2025 at 11:00 am along the Finikoudes promenade, bringing a festive atmosphere to the city's iconic seaside resort.
It's time for the funniest carnival party at the Fun Factory! 🎭🥳 Come in costume and enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing, fun and surprises! 🎧 Special guest: DJ Celio - He will lift the mood with the best music selection! 🎟️ Raffles with great prizes! 🎭 Endless fun in a room full of games and smiles! Don't miss it! Put on your costume and come with your children to dance together! FREE ENTRY