Cyprus Comes Alive with Colorful Carnival Parades Over the Weekend

Over the weekend, vibrant carnival celebrations took place across Cyprus, bringing together thousands of participants and spectators in Limassol, Paralimni, Paphos, and other cities. Not even the chilly and rainy weather could dampen the festive atmosphere.

Limassol: The Heart of the Carnival Festivities

The biggest and most anticipated carnival on the island was held in Limassol, where an estimated 35,000 people joined the celebrations. The streets were filled with color and energy as over 100 organized groups and an equal number of elaborate floats—ranging from superheroes and fairy tales to political satire—paraded through the city.

The grand parade kicked off at 1:00 PM from the Agios Nikolaos roundabout, making its way down Makarios Avenue before ending at the Polemidia traffic lights. Among the notable attendees were Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, foreign ambassadors, and other dignitaries.

The Limassol Carnival 2025 wrapped up at 9:00 PM with an open-air dance party at the Old Port Square. However, after the festivities, the city’s streets were left covered in litter, keeping clean-up crews busy through the night.

Famagusta: A Spectacular Carnival in Paralimni

In Famagusta, more than 3,000 participants and around 25,000 spectators gathered for the region’s main carnival parade, which took place in Paralimni at 2:00 PM.

The star of this year’s event was popular actor Alkis Christos, who embodied the role of the "King of the Seas". Meanwhile, the mayor and municipal council of Paralimni-Deryneia led the procession with the “Ship of Unity”, symbolizing the upcoming local government reforms that will merge the four municipalities of Paralimni, Deryneia, Frenaros, and Acheritos.

Paphos: A Record-Breaking Celebration

The Paphos Carnival Parade, held on Saturday afternoon, set a new participation record, with around 4,000 people and 52 decorated floats joining the festivities.

Mayor Phedonas Phedonos expressed his delight at the overwhelming turnout, encouraging everyone to enjoy both the carnival celebrations and the long weekend ahead.

Carnival Spirit Across the Island

Despite a heavy downpour, the Agros community refused to let the rain dampen their carnival parade. Meanwhile, in Polis Chrysochous, twenty groups marched through the streets, keeping the festive spirit alive.