Limassol Carnival: Dates, Parades and Tips

For ten days before Lent, Limassol puts on costumes, takes to the streets and pokes fun at everyone in public life. The carnival is the island's biggest street party and a highlight of the year for many residents. This guide covers the dates, the main events and how to enjoy the parades without the stress.

What is the Limassol Carnival?

The carnival marks the last days of feasting before Orthodox Lent. It has roots in the Venetian period, when visitors described masked parades and feasts in Cyprus, and today it is the largest annual festival in Limassol. Limassol Municipality organises it. Satire is a big part of the fun: floats, costumes and songs often mock politicians and current events.

When is the Limassol Carnival?

The carnival dates follow Orthodox Easter, so they change every year. It starts on Tsiknopempti, "smoky Thursday", and ends on the Sunday before Green Monday, the first day of Lent.

The 2027 dates are calculated from the Orthodox calendar. Limassol Municipality usually publishes the full programme a few weeks before the carnival. We list it on our events page once it is announced.

What are the main carnival events?

Tsiknopempti and the opening night

The carnival opens on Tsiknopempti, when the smoke from barbecues fills the city. In 2026 the evening began with a procession from the Municipal Hall to Grigoris Afxentiou Square, followed by the coronation of the Carnival Queen and a party. Read more in our Tsiknopempti guide.

The Children's Parade

On the first Sunday, children in costume parade along the seafront. In 2026 it started at 11:30am at the Public Garden traffic lights on the seafront road and ended at the Molos car park area.

Evening events during the week

During the week there are mask exhibitions, serenades by the kantadoroi (mandolin-playing street singers), choir concerts, themed walking parades into the old town and dances at Medieval Castle Square. Some events at venues such as the Lanitis Carob Mill are free but need a ticket. In 2026 these tickets were limited to two per person.

The Grand Carnival Parade

The finale is the Grand Parade on the last Sunday along Archbishop Makarios III Avenue. In 2026 it started at 1pm with 115 groups, including bands, percussion troupes, dance groups and satirical floats, led by the Carnival Queen. The day ended with an open-air party at the Old Port Square, and in 2026 a 700-drone light show.

How do you get there and where should you park?

Roads around the parade close for most of the day. In 2026:

• From 8am the road between the Enaerios traffic lights and the Agios Nikolaos roundabout closed for float assembly.
• From 11am to midnight, Makarios Avenue closed between the Agios Nikolaos roundabout and Apostolou Varnava Street.

Use municipal or private car parks well away from the route and walk in, or take the bus. See our public transport guide. Follow the instructions of police and traffic wardens on the day.

Practical tips

1. Arrive early: Find a spot on Makarios Avenue at least an hour before the parade starts. The pavements fill quickly.
2. Dress up: Costumes are encouraged for everyone, not just children. Many people buy costumes or accessories in the weeks before.
3. Expect mess: Confetti and party sprays are part of the fun. Wear clothes you do not mind getting messy.
4. Bring layers: The parade runs into the evening, and it can be cool by February or March nightfall.
5. Plan a meeting point: Phone signal can be patchy in dense crowds. Agree a meeting place with children and friends.
6. Green Monday: The next day is a public holiday. Families head to the countryside for picnics and kite flying.

What to do next

• Plan the rest of the spring with Easter in Cyprus and festivals month by month.
• Thinking of living close to the action? Read our Limassol Old Town area guide.
• New to the island? Start with why expats love living in Limassol.