Olive Festivals in Cyprus: Autumn Celebrations in 2026

Autumn marks the start of the olive season in Cyprus, and villages celebrate the new harvest one after another. In some places, fresh olive oil takes centre stage; elsewhere, it’s ancient olive groves, traditional green tsakistes, aromatic herbs or village cuisine. In 2026, these festivals take place across different districts of the Republic of Cyprus — from Silikou and Paramali to Evrychou, Nikitari and the villages of Paphos.

• Why Cyprus celebrates the olive
• 3–4 October — Silikou
• 4 October — Analiontas
• 10 October — Evrychou
• 11 October — Nikitari-Asinou
• 11 October — Paramali
• 25 October — Agios Ioannis, Paphos district
• What to try at the festivals
• Which festival to choose
• Frequently asked questions

Why Cyprus celebrates the olive

The olive tree became part of life in Cyprus long before modern villages and festivals. Archaeological finds show that olives and olive oil were used on the island in ancient times. Oil was more than just food: it was used for lighting, body care, making medicinal and cosmetic products, household purposes and religious ceremonies. Olive groves became valuable family property, and trees could continue to bear fruit through several generations of owners.

One remarkable feature of the olive tree is its longevity. Even a very old tree can continue to produce new shoots and crops. That is why Cyprus is home to olive trees that are many centuries old. They are seen not only as agricultural plants, but also as living monuments to history.

For centuries, the olive tree was part of everyday life in Cypriot villages. Olives were preserved for winter, oil was used in cooking, household life and religious ceremonies, and old groves were passed down to the next generations along with the land.

That is why the autumn festivals celebrate more than just one product. They coincide with the harvest and bring several traditions together: picking olives, working at olive mills, preparing homemade preserves, local cuisine and old trees, some of which have been growing on the island for many centuries.

Each festival has its own format. In one village, you can go olive picking; in another, watch tsakistes being made, taste fresh oil or discover aromatic plants. Almost everywhere, the programme also features music, dancing, crafts and a market selling local produce.

3–4 October — Silikou

When: 3–4 October 2026.
Where: Silikou, Limassol district.

Silikou is one of the old villages in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, surrounded by vineyards and farmland. Here, the olive-growing tradition goes hand in hand with winemaking, making a visit a good way to see how closely different cultures were tied to life in mountain villages.

The olive festival runs for two days. The focus is on local olives, oil and traditional products. For visitors, it is an opportunity to discover the village during the harvest season, when agriculture becomes part of the celebration itself.

The full programme for the 2026 festival has not yet been published, so it is best to check the exact schedule of performances and workshops shortly before your visit.

Leave some time to stroll through the old streets of the village. Silikou is known for its traditional architecture and rural atmosphere, so the festival can easily be combined with a leisurely trip to nearby villages in Limassol district.

4 October — Analiontas

When: 4 October 2026, starting at 11:00.
Where: Analiontas (Αναλιόντας, Κύπρος), Nicosia district.

Analiontas hosts a village celebration of olives and tradition. It is less tourist-oriented than large food festivals: the focus is on the harvest, local produce and an introduction to rural life.

At events like these, olives appear in many forms — from fresh and prepared fruit to oil and local dishes. Traditional music, dancing and products from local producers round out the programme.

Analiontas is a good choice for anyone interested in a small village festival without needing to plan a trip around a major tourist attraction.

10 October — Olive & Aromas Festival in Evrychou

When: 10 October 2026, 10:00–22:00.
Where: Evrychou village square, Nicosia district.

The festival in Evrychou has one of the season’s most interesting concepts: it brings together olives, aromatic plants and herbs. So the celebration is about more than oil and the harvest; it also explores the scents, plants and products typical of the Cypriot countryside.

Local producers and craftspeople gather in the square, while traditional music and other activities accompany the food programme. Thanks to its long schedule, the festival can be combined with a full-day trip through the Solea Valley.

What to see in Evrychou

The main additional attraction is the Cyprus Railways Museum. It is housed in the former Evrychou railway station and tells the story of the Cyprus Government Railway, which operated on the island in the first half of the 20th century. About a 15-minute drive away, near the village of Flasou, is the unusual Perfume Park ( article ) — an open-air museum dedicated to the ancient traditions of perfume-making in Cyprus.

Evrychou is also a convenient starting point for a trip around the villages of the Solea Valley. That makes this festival especially well suited to a full-day itinerary.

11 October — Olive & Traditional Products Festival in Nikitari-Asinou

When: 11 October 2026, 11:00–18:00.
Where: Nikitari, Nicosia district.

The festival in Nikitari has one of the season’s most varied programmes. Here, you can do more than just taste olives: the organisers invite visitors to head into the olive groves and experience the harvest first-hand.

A separate walk is dedicated to an ancient olive tree. Such trees are seen not only as agricultural plants, but also as part of the village’s history.

The festival features a demonstration of how to make elies tsakistes — traditional cracked green olives. There are workshops, performances, traditional dancing and other activities.

The programme also includes a workshop on making candles using olive oil — a reminder that historically, oil had far more uses than it does today.

Guests can sample traditional products, while stalls offer oil, olives, local food and crafts. The programme also includes themed activities and games for children.

Another Cypriot autumn tradition features at the festival: making hot palouze from grape juice. So two important aspects of the Cypriot harvest come together here: olives and grapes.

What to see near Nikitari

The main reason to stay in the area after the festival is the Panagia Forviotissa Church, better known as Asinou. It is famous for its medieval frescoes and is part of the Painted Churches of the Troodos Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The combination of the festival, olive groves and Asinou makes Nikitari one of the most interesting options for a full-day trip.

11 October — Ancient Olive Trees Festival in Paramali

When: 11 October 2026, 11:00–20:00.
Where: Paramali Community Park, Paramali, Limassol district.

In Paramali, the emphasis is not simply on the harvest, but on centuries-old olive trees. These old trees are part of the village’s landscape and cultural heritage, so the festival tells the story of the trees, the oil and the people who continue to grow olives.

Around 30 producers, craftspeople, artists, musicians and representatives of educational projects are taking part in the 2026 programme.

You can taste local olive oil and green tsakistes, meet producers and take part in food-related activities. It is a good choice for anyone interested specifically in olive oil culture, rather than just a large village fair.

Paramali is also conveniently located: it is much easier to get here from Limassol for a few hours than to travel to the mountain villages of central Troodos.

25 October — Olive Oil Festival in Agios Ioannis

When: 25 October 2026, starting at 11:00.
Where: Agios Ioannis village square, Paphos district.

One of the last olive celebrations in October takes place in the Paphos district and focuses primarily on olive oil.

This is a good option for residents of Paphos and the western part of the island who do not want to travel to Nicosia or Limassol district for a festival. The format remains that of a traditional village celebration, with local oil and produce, food and an introduction to rural customs.

Programme details may be updated closer to the date, so check the schedule of performances and activities before your visit.

What to try at olive festivals

Elies tsakistes

One of Cyprus’s most distinctive appetisers. Green olives are lightly cracked, then prepared and served with olive oil, lemon and aromatic herbs.

Fresh olive oil

The main product of the season. At festivals, it is especially interesting to try oils from different local producers and compare their flavour, aroma and intensity.

Bread and village baking

Fresh oil is often served with plain bread or traditional baked goods. This simple pairing is a great way to appreciate the flavour of the oil itself.

Local products

Olive festivals rarely feature olives alone. Market stalls offer cheese, honey, herbs, sweets, baked goods, seasonal produce and items from small local producers.

Which festival to choose

Silikou is convenient for Limassol residents and anyone who wants to combine the celebration with a trip through the foothills of the Troodos Mountains.

Analiontas is a good choice for a small village celebration near Nicosia.

Evrychou is worth choosing for its unusual combination of olives and aromatic plants, as well as the chance to visit the railway museum and the Solea Valley.

Nikitari-Asinou offers one of the most varied programmes: harvesting olives, making tsakistes, workshops, activities for children and the famous Asinou Church nearby.

Paramali is especially interesting for its ancient olive trees and is convenient for a short trip from Limassol.

Agios Ioannis is the main October option for the Paphos district and for anyone interested specifically in local olive oil.

What to know before you go

Most village festivals take place in central squares and streets, so they do not require complicated planning. However, in popular villages, parking near the centre fills up quickly, so it is best to arrive closer to the start of the programme.

Some activities take place outdoors and in olive groves, so comfortable shoes are a better choice than city footwear.

Village festival programmes may change due to the weather or organisational adjustments. Check the start time of the event you plan to attend once more before setting off.

If you are planning a route to see the main attractions of the Republic of Cyprus and want to travel without relying on taxis, it is useful to compare car rentals in advance through Localrent. It is also worth planning for basic practical needs ahead of time. You can arrange travel medical insurance before departure, for example through Tripinsurance, and for navigation and staying connected on the road, you can set up a travel eSIM in advance, for example through Drimsim.

Frequently asked questions

When is the main olive festival season in Cyprus?

Most celebrations take place in September and October, when the olive harvest and fresh oil production begin.

Which other festivals can you visit in October 2026?

Festivals are planned in Silikou, Analiontas, Evrychou, Nikitari, Paramali and Agios Ioannis. They take place on different weekends in October, so you can visit several villages if you wish.

Which festival is most interesting for families with children?

Nikitari has a particularly varied family programme, with olive picking, workshops, themed activities and games for children.

Where can you see old olive trees?

Paramali hosts a dedicated festival celebrating centuries-old olive trees. Old olive trees are also an important part of the tradition in Anglisides and other Cypriot villages.

Can you buy olive oil directly from producers?

Many festivals feature local producers and market stalls. The specific list of participants varies from village to village.

What are tsakistes?

They are traditional Cypriot green olives that are lightly cracked before being prepared. They are usually served with olive oil, lemon and aromatic herbs.

Is there an admission fee for the festivals?

Many village celebrations have free admission. Free entry to Nikitari and Paramali has been confirmed by the organisers. Check the latest programme for each festival to confirm the arrangements for other events.

Can you combine a festival with visits to other attractions?

Yes. Some of the best combinations are Nikitari with Asinou Church, Evrychou with the Cyprus Railways Museum and the villages of the Solea Valley, and Silikou with a route through the foothills of the Troodos Mountains.