The Carnival is coming to Limassol!
Who else is looking forward to Limassol’s annual carnival party? Have you thought about what you will dress up as this year? Are you participating in the Grand Parade or do you prefer dancing within the streets of Limassol? Whatever you choose to do you’ll definitely have lots of fun! This year’s Grand Carnival Parade is on the 1st of March! As you all know, the island has been celebrating the carnival for hundreds of years. The largest and most famed carnival parade takes place in Limassol every year even though all the other cities in Cyprus also hold smaller-scaled parades!
Did you know that the Carnival was celebrated in ancient Greece as well? It is said that festivities were organised to honour the Greek god Dionysos. The ancient Greeks used to dress up in costumes and masques and held feasts for days. Apparently, the Carnival in Limassol is traced back to the ancient Greeks. However, it is also linked to the religious Easter holiday and the start of the fasting period since ‘Apokries’ (the word Greeks call the carnival) actually means ‘without meat’ and this period was celebrated with traditional games and feasts where people wore masquerades to scare each other. No matter from where the Carnival started from in Limassol, it is traced back to the start of the previous century. This is when households in Limassol opened their homes, inviting friends, family and passers-by and held feasts. It is a fact that Limassol holds the largest and most extravagant carnival throughout the island. To the Lemessianous (locals in Limassol), the annual carnival is an important tradition which they make sure remains alive.
The Municipality of Limassol arranges all the carnival activities and events throughout the city. Every event is usually free of charge; thus, everybody come together and participate in the festivities. Typically, the carnival events kick off on Shrove Thursday. This is the day the Carnival’s King and Queen enter the city and the festivities commence officially. Following the commencement of the carnival, the public is invited to participate in a plethora of events and activities such as the Children’s Parade and multiple Serenade shows. The Grand Parade is the final and largest event that is held on the last Sunday of the carnival, the day before Green Monday. Sunday is the day Limassol turns into a huge colourful Carnival playground, where the city overflows with elaborate and lively floats while masquerades take part in the parade, sing, drink and dance creating a festive atmosphere for everyone watching. Young and old as well as locals and tourists all come together to celebrate the carnival in Limassol.
Join us this year to celebrate the Limassol Carnival together and watch how the city is transformed into a fun, colourful and festive party. After the memorable party retreat to the comfort of the five-star deluxe beach hotel, the Royal Apollonia. Set on the shore of the crystalline Mediterranean Sea, you can relax in your room or unwind by the refreshing pool of the hotel. The Royal Apollonia’s friendly service, array of facilities and culinary options are just some of the reasons which will make your holidays in Limassol extra special. Happy Carnival peeps!