Apokries in the Republic of Cyprus: how Cypriots celebrate Maslenitsa

Apokria (Απόκριες) in the Republic of Cyprus is a carnival period before Lent: first come the "meat" feasts, then the "cheese" week, and the climax is street carnival parades. The holiday is not an official public holiday, but the main events usually take place on Sunday. In 2026, the key dates are: opening of the Triodion — February 1, 2026, "Smoky Thursday" (Tsiknopempti) — February 12, 2026, final parades — February 22, 2026, and Lent begins on Clean (Green) Monday — February 23, 2026.

• How many days is Apokria celebrated
• How Apokria is celebrated in the Republic of Cyprus
• Key dates of Apokria
• Frequently asked questions about the holidays

How many days is Apokria celebrated

Apokria lasts several days: it begins with "Smoky Thursday" and ends before Lent. From Thursday to the following Monday, meat dishes are usually prepared, and starting Monday for the week, the focus shifts to dairy products (mainly cheese). During the "cheese" week, meat is no longer eaten according to church rules.

Apokria is not included in the list of official public holidays in the Republic of Cyprus, so government offices and most companies operate as usual (except on official holiday dates, such as Clean Monday).

How Apokria is celebrated in the Republic of Cyprus

During these days, Cypriots visit each other and enjoy a variety of dishes — first meat, then mainly cheese. The most noticeable and interesting for tourists are the carnivals: street parades, music, dancing, costumes, and themed events in cities.

The climax of the carnival parades usually falls on the Sunday before Lent. In major cities, colorful processions with drums and dancing take place, usually around midday. Festivities continue until the evening; in some cities, fireworks are held at the finale.

Key dates of Apokria

Frequently asked questions about the holidays

Where is the most notable carnival during Apokria?

The most famous and largest carnival usually takes place in Limassol. Also in Limassol, a separate children's carnival is often held a week before the final parades.

Is Apokria a public holiday?

No, Apokria is not an official public holiday in the Republic of Cyprus. However, the main events often fall on Sunday, when most people are already off work. The official holiday during this period is Clean (Green) Monday.

What other holidays are there in the Republic of Cyprus?

Both secular and religious holidays are celebrated at the state level, but not all of them. List of official holidays: official holidays of the Republic of Cyprus.

See also: what Tsiknopempti ("Smoky Thursday") is and what Green (Clean) Monday is.

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