Newsroom
Cyprus came alive on Sunday as Carnival celebrations filled the streets with colour, music, and endless revelry – with Limassol once again stealing the show. The island’s biggest and most iconic Carnival parade turned the coastal city into a giant party, drawing tens of thousands of locals and visitors who danced, laughed, and cheered along the route.
After weeks of anticipation, Limassolians proved why their Carnival is considered one of the best in the region – if not quite Rio, then certainly the beating heart of Cyprus. With blue skies above and the sea breeze in the air, 35,000 carnivalists flooded the city in a parade that stretched from the Agios Nikolaos roundabout to Polemidia.
Limassol
From fairy-tale princesses and superheroes to satirical floats poking fun at everything from global politics to local scandals, the parade was a spectacle of imagination and humour. The King of Paper Wars, played by Vasilis Papavassiliou, led the joyful procession, flanked by his royal entourage and the Mayor of Limassol Yiannis Armeftis – both waving to the sea of smiling faces lining the avenue.
"It’s not just a parade – it’s our tradition, our soul,” one Limassolian carnivalist said between dance breaks. “Every year we wait for this day to let loose and celebrate life!"
The music, confetti, and non-stop dancing carried on well into the night, ending with a huge outdoor party at the Old Port Square, where masks and costumes took centre stage one last time.
But the carnival spirit wasn’t limited to Limassol. Across the island, cities and towns joined in the festive mood.
Many gathered in Larnaca to enjoy the spirit of carnival gripping island.
Larnaca
In Polis Chrysochous, crowds cheered as floats paraded through the streets with lively costumes and creative themes. The little ones from the Prodromi Community Kindergarten stole hearts with their “Balloons” float, winning first prize for their joyful display.
Polis Chrysochous
Meanwhile, Paphos put on a vibrant show of its own on Saturday, with the Carnival King “Pharaoh Moon” leading the way through the historic town, accompanied by marching bands and dance groups.
Paphos
Over on the east coast, the Famagusta region brought its own flair to the celebrations. Paralimni's central square burst into life with the region’s annual parade, while Ayia Napa's “Ti Rio Ti Leo” festivities turned the quiet winter resort into a lively carnival hotspot.
Ayia Napa
As the sun set on a weekend of laughter and celebration, one thing was clear – the Cypriot Carnival isn’t just about costumes or parades. It’s a reminder of the island’s vibrant spirit, where every song, every dance, and every smile brings people closer together.
*With information from Paphos Life and Famagusta News
