Limassol Carnival — dates, parades, program, and how to prepare

The Limassol Carnival in 2026 takes place from February 12 to February 22, 2026. The official start is on Tsiknopempti (Meat Thursday) on February 12, 2026, the Children’s Carnival is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, on Limassol’s Sea Road, and the main Grand Parade will be on Sunday, February 22, 2026, on Archbishop Makarios III Avenue. The Green (Clean) Monday follows the end of the carnival on February 23, 2026. The Limassol Carnival Queen 2026 is Amarillis Kyriakou.

• Key Dates and Events
• What Usually Happens at the Carnival
• “Meat” and “Cheese” Week Traditions
• Carnival Queen 2026
• Locations and How to Plan Your Route
• How to Prepare and Attend the Parade
• If You’re Going with Children
• Useful Links on the Topic
• Glossary
• Frequently Asked Questions

Key Dates and Events of the Limassol Carnival 2026

The Limassol Carnival traditionally takes place before Lent and includes parades, street performances, music, costume processions, and city parties. In 2026, the municipal program spans 10 days—from February 12 to February 22, 2026.

What Usually Happens at the Limassol Carnival

Besides the main parades, carnival days in Limassol usually feature city performances and street activities: costume walks, music and dance, small stages, and events in the city center. Events at Heroes Square are often highlighted, as well as evening programs in city neighborhoods.

In the first days of the carnival, the city “enters festival mode”: children and teenagers actively participate in street games, including foam entertainment. If you want to stay dry, it’s best to plan your route and clothing considering that it can be difficult to remain “dry” in the center.

“Meat” and “Cheese” Week Traditions

The carnival tradition often highlights two thematic weeks:

• First Week — “Meat”: grilled dishes, including souvlaki, are especially popular in the city; during Tsiknopempti many restaurants and street stalls prepare meat.
• Second Week — “Cheese”: dairy products and dishes based on them are more commonly served.

If you plan to visit venues on these dates, consider the increased demand in the evenings and on weekends.

Carnival Queen 2026 and Other "Carnival Rulers"

The Municipality of Limassol has announced the Carnival Queen 2026: the title of "Queen of Passion and Madness" was awarded to Amarillis Kyriakou. By tradition, she enters the city on February 12, 2026, at the head of the ceremonial procession and symbolically "takes over the city" for the carnival period.

Also, during Carnival Week in the Republic of Cyprus, "rulers" are announced in other cities: in 2026, the Carnival Queen of Famagusta is Adamantini Kosma; she will lead the Grand Parade in Paralimni on February 22, 2026.

Locations and How to Plan Your Route

For 2026, the program information mentions two key areas:

• Limassol Seafront — the venue for the Children's Carnival on February 15, 2026.
• Archbishop Makarios III Avenue — the route of the main Grand Parade on February 22, 2026.

Practical tip: on parade days, central streets are usually crowded, and temporary traffic and parking restrictions may be imposed near the route. It is optimal to plan your arrival in advance and allow extra time to navigate around closures.

How to Prepare and Attend the Carnival

How to Do It

1. Choose a day: families often choose February 15, 2026 (Children's Carnival), while for the grand spectacle — February 22, 2026 (Grand Parade).
2. Plan your clothing: comfortable shoes are essential; if you are going to the center during peak carnival activities, bring a spare light layer or a raincoat.
3. Plan transportation: if traveling by car, it is better to park farther from the center and walk part of the way.
4. Bring minimal items: documents, phone, water; it is better not to bring valuables to avoid losing them in the crowd.
5. Check the final schedule: exact start times and route details are usually published closer to the carnival dates.

If You Are Attending with Children

• Children's Carnival is logically attended on February 15, 2026: the atmosphere is family-oriented, with costumes and children's groups.
• Foam activities can be unexpected: if a child dislikes wet clothes or loud sounds, it is better to choose a spot on the edge of the route and have a spare layer.
• Meeting point: agree in advance on a clear meeting place (e.g., a prominent landmark) in case someone gets lost in the crowd.

Useful Links on the Topic

• Spring Festivals in the Republic of Cyprus
• Public Holidays in the Republic of Cyprus 2026

Glossary

• Tsiknopempti (Tsiknopempti) — "Meat Thursday," the day marking the start of mass street celebrations with the tradition of grilling meat; in 2026, it falls on February 12, 2026.
• Forgiveness Sunday — the Sunday before the start of Lent; in 2026, it is February 15, 2026.
• Green (Clean) Monday — the day following the end of the carnival period; in 2026, it is February 23, 2026.
• Heroes Square — the central city square of Limassol, often hosting public events and performances.
• Archbishop Makarios III Avenue — one of Limassol's main avenues, used for the route of mass processions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Limassol Carnival 2026?

From February 12 to February 22, 2026, in Limassol (Republic of Cyprus). Immediately after, there is Green (Clean) Monday — February 23, 2026.

What are the three main dates of Limassol Carnival 2026?

February 12, 2026 — Tsiknopempti, February 15, 2026 — Children's Carnival, February 22, 2026 — Grand Parade.

Where do the Children's Carnival and Grand Parade take place?

The Children's Carnival on February 15, 2026, takes place on the Limassol Seafront. The Grand Parade on February 22, 2026, takes place along Archbishop Makarios III Avenue.

Who is the Limassol Carnival Queen 2026?

The Limassol Carnival Queen 2026 is Amarillis Kyriakou, with the title "Queen of Passion and Madness."

Can I attend without a costume?

Yes. A costume is not mandatory: attendees come both in regular clothes and themed outfits.

What to consider if you don't want to get wet at the carnival?

Foam and "soapy" activities may occur in the center. It is practical to wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet and bring a light raincoat or a spare layer of clothing.

Is the carnival related to "Meat" and "Cheese" weeks?

Yes. Traditionally, the first week is considered "Meat Week" (often focusing on grilled dishes), and the second is "Cheese Week" (with a predominance of dairy treats).

What happens after the carnival ends?

After Sunday, February 22, 2026, follows Green (Clean) Monday, February 23, 2026, which is celebrated throughout the Republic of Cyprus.