Culture & festivals

Cyprus Festivals in February 2025: Celebrate Local Flavours & Blossoms

Close-up of ripe mandarins on a tree for the Mandarin Festival in Cyprus

Quick answer

In February 2025, Cyprus hosted village festivals centred on seasonal produce. The second Arakapas Mandarin Festival took place on Sunday 2 February in the Limassol district. Almond blossom celebrations were held on Sunday 23 February in Limnatis (Limassol region), Giolou and Salamiou (both Paphos region).

  • Arakapas Mandarin Festival: Sunday 2 February 2025, 10:00 to 17:00, Village Square.
  • Almond blossom festivals in Limnatis, Giolou and Salamiou all took place on Sunday 23 February 2025.
  • Limnatis hosts the largest of the three almond celebrations.
  • Salamiou sits at 650 metres above sea level, surrounded by vineyards and almond orchards.
  • Each festival offers local food, live music and traditional dance.

February in Cyprus centres on village life, seasonal produce and scenic countryside. For a break from the cities and a taste of authentic Cypriot traditions, these festivals are well worth recommending. The dates below are for 2025.

Arakapas Village Mandarin Celebration

Arakapas, a small village in the heart of the Limassol (Lemesos) district, hosts its second Mandarin Festival, a full day devoted to Cyprus's sweet mandarins. Visitors can find freshly picked fruit, homemade jams, citrus desserts and tangy liqueurs. Live music, traditional dance performances and a lively village atmosphere make it a lively start to February.

  • Date: Sunday, 2 February 2025
  • Location: Village Square, Arakapas (Lemesos Region)
  • Hours: 10:00 to 17:00
  • Contact: +357 25622818 (Community Board Arakapa)

Where were the almond blossom celebrations?

By late February, almond trees flower across Cyprus, turning the countryside pink and white. Three villages, Limnatis, Giolou and Salamiou, held their own celebrations, offering several ways to enjoy traditional food, music and nature.

Limnatis: the largest almond celebration

Limnatis is one of Cyprus's biggest almond-producing villages, and its festival is the largest of the three. Visitors can expect live folk music, dance performances and stalls selling almond treats, including pastelli (a sesame and almond brittle), roasted almonds and homemade almond liqueur.

  • Date: Sunday, 23 February 2025
  • Location: Limnatis' Communal Football Stadium (Lemesos Region)
  • Hours: 11:00 to 16:00
  • Contact: +357 25432922 (Limnatis Community Board)

Giolou: a relaxed village gathering

Giolou, a wine-producing village in the Pafos district, offers a quieter, more intimate event in its village square. Visitors can sample almond sweets, local wines and traditional Cypriot dishes while chatting with friendly locals. Mountain views and blossoming trees make it a peaceful Sunday outing.

  • Date: Sunday, 23 February 2025
  • Location: Village Square, Giolou (Pafos Region)
  • Hours: 11:00 to 16:00
  • Contact: +357 26632472 (Giolou Community Board)

Salamiou: views and countryside walks

Salamiou, at 650 metres above sea level, is surrounded by vineyards and almond orchards, making it one of the most scenic festival locations. Alongside live music, food stalls and cultural performances, it suits hikers and photographers, with some of the best views of the blossoming Pafos countryside.

  • Date: Sunday, 23 February 2025
  • Location: Environmental Center, Salamiou (Pafos Region)
  • Hours: 10:00 to 16:00
  • Contact: +357 26442431 (Salamiou Community Board)

Why go to a village festival in Cyprus?

  • Authentic Cyprus: These are genuine village events, offering local traditions, homemade food and Cypriot hospitality.
  • Seasonal food: February brings almonds and citrus, so expect handmade sweets, roasted almonds, mandarin treats and liqueurs.
  • Live music and dancing: Visitors who have never seen a traditional Cypriot dance performance get the chance here.
  • Natural beauty: Rolling hills, vineyards and blossoming almond trees make February a good time to explore the countryside.

February may not be beach weather, but it suits those who enjoy Cyprus's rural side. Whether drawn to Arakapas's citrus or the almond blossoms of Limnatis, Giolou and Salamiou, these festivals offer a taste of everyday Cypriot life, best enjoyed with good food, company and some live music.

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Frequently asked questions

When was the Arakapas Mandarin Festival in 2025?

On Sunday, 2 February 2025, from 10:00 to 17:00 in the Village Square of Arakapas (Lemesos Region).

When were the almond blossom festivals held in February 2025?

All three, in Limnatis, Giolou and Salamiou, were held on Sunday, 23 February 2025.

Which almond blossom festival is the largest?

Limnatis hosts the largest of the three, with live folk music, dance performances and stalls selling almond treats.

What can you eat at the Cyprus February festivals?

Mandarin foods, jams, desserts and liqueurs at Arakapas, and almond treats such as pastelli, roasted almonds and almond liqueur at the almond festivals.

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