The Famous Limassol Carnival
The Royal Apollonia in Limassol is the place to be during February when the city transforms into a massive 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!
The Carnival is said to have been celebrated in ancient Greece as well. Apparently, festivities were organised to the Greek god Dionysos. The ancient Greeks used to dress up in costumes and masques and held feasts for days on end. It is obvious that the Carnival in Cyprus is traced back to the ancient Greeks. However, it is also linked to Easter 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 costumes and masks to scare each other.
The Carnival has been celebrated throughout Cyprus for hundreds of years. The Municipality of Limassol arranges all the carnival activities and events throughout the city. Every event or activity is free of charge, therefore both adults and children comes together and participate in the festivities. Similar to other festivities and cultural events, the Cyprus carnival is traced back to the start of the previous century. This is when households in Limassol opened their homes, inviting friends, family and passersby and held feasts. It is a fact that Limassol holds the largest and most extravagant carnival throughout the island. To the Lemessianous (locals), the annual carnival is an important tradition which they make sure remains alive.
The carnival festivities commence on Shrove Thursday. This is the day the Carnival’s King and Queen enter the city and the festivities begin. Following the commencement of the festivities, the public is invited to take part in lots of events and activities such as the Children’s Parade as well as 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.
Limassol transforms into a massive Carnival party during these days. On the Sunday of the Grand Parade, the city overflows with elaborate and colourful floats while dressed up people who take part in the parade sing, drink and dance creating a festive atmosphere for spectators. 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 ‘Apokries’ together and watch Limassol turning into a fun, colourful and festive party. After the amazing open-air 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!