Limassol’s carefree holiday ambience is matched by the friendly and lively character of its people. With its fun-loving reputation it is fitting that this region hosts some of the island’s best known annual events and festivals which create a vibrant, colourful atmosphere throughout the year.
One of the brightest events is the 10-day pre-Lenten Carnival (usually in February/March), with masquerade parties, balls and grand parades of colourful floats and groups of fancy-dressed participants, singing and dancing along the streets of Limassol. At the beginning of May, the Flower Festival celebrates the beauty of spring with a floral exhibition boasting the rich variety of Cyprus’ authentic wild flora. Perhaps the most popular is the 12-day Wine Festival at the end of August - early September, held since 1961, inspired by the ancient festivals dedicated to the god of wine Dionysus and honouring the island’s long tradition of winemaking. This lively event, which takes place in the Municipal Gardens, offers free wine alongside theatre presentations, dancing and stands with various traditional food specialties.
Throughout the year, Music, Dance and Theatre Festivals enrich Limassol’s cultural calendar.
Limassol is also equipped to offer an exhilarating experience to sports lovers. Whether as spectators or as participants the range of events is incredible and sure to be uplifting for all who embrace it. Athletic events such as the New Year Regatta, the Cyprus Sunshine Cup with mountain bike and cycling races, the Cyprus Rally which is one of the world’s most exciting motor sports events and part of the official World Racing Championship, the GSO International Open Marathon, Lemesia, a 10-day international sporting event with competitions in boxing, karate, triathlon, marathon, shooting, rhythmic gymnastics and cycling are just a few of the annual athletic events that take place in Limassol.
January – April, Onisilos Seaside Theatre
Traditional, classical and Every Sunday contemporary songs and dances every Sunday.
January 6, Old Port
A ceremonial blessing of the waters.
End of February - begining of March, Limnatis village
Traditional dances and free tasting of traditional products made of almond.
February / March
Beginning 50 days before Orthodox Easter.
February – March, Tochni, Kalavasos, Amathus area
International mountain bike series.
February / March, Countryside
Beginning of the Lent. People enjoy a picnic and fly kites in the countryside.
March, Sea front
A big athletic celebration with Marathon runners from all over the world.
March, for 3 days, Rialto Theatre
Contemporary dance event
March, Limassol to Agia Napa
A classic car event organised by the Friends of Historic & Old Cars.
March, Dias Slope, Troodos
Organised by the Cyprus Ski Federation.
March, for 1 week, Rialto Theatre
One of the island’s foremost film industry events.
April, Rialto Theatre
The annual festival attracts celebrated performers from across the globe.
April – May, Churches all over Limassol and Limassol district
The most important Greek Orthodox religious feast.
May – June, Rialto Theatre
Contemporary dance companies from European countries compete with Cypriot dance companies.
Second weekend in May, Germasogeia
Celebrating the beauty of spring with a floral exhibition boasting the rich variety of Cyprus’ authentic wild flora.
May, Athinon & Saripolou streets, Limassol old town centre
Celebrating urban art, music, street performance, sport, natural therapies and food.
May, Limassol to Pafos
Classic car enthusiasts take the road for a romantic drive through the Cyprus countryside.
May - June, Limassol
The Festival incorporates two competitions, one for pairs and one for teams.
June, Molos area
The Festival of the Flood features a fair, boat trips and more.
June, Kourion Aphitheatre
A classic play from the Bard, which is performed at the top of a hill overlooking the Mediterranean.
June, for 2 days, Molos area
To promote closer relationships between the two countries on a cultural level.
Last weekend of June, for 2 days, Pano Platres, Troodos
Action, sports and fun in the mountains with a wide range of outdoor activities to try from hiking and archery to mountain biking and trail running.
July, Plateia Iroon, Limassol old town centre
Global music performances.
July, Municipal Garden Theatre
Weekend dance festival.
July, Alassa, Agios Georgios, Doros, Laneia, Monagri & Silikou
Annual festival dedicated to the delicious Cyprus dessert wine ‘koumandaria’.
July - August, Kourion Amphitheatre
Epic adventures and heroism from the great dramatists are conjured up by companies from around the world, performing in various languages.
August, B Municipal Market (Theatro Ena)
The main platform for projecting contemporary, creative documentary in Cyprus with screenings, talks and workshops.
End of Aug - early Sept, for 12 days, Limassol Municipal Gardens
Held since 1961. Inspired by the ancient festivals dedicated to Dionysos the God of wine.
September - October, Various venues
This international multi-arts festival is one of the most significant Cyprus cultural events.
October, Various art workshops
Opportunity for visirors to see quality art in the very studio it is being created in.
October, for 10 days, Various venues
Competitions in boxing, karate, triathlon, marathon, shooting, rhythmic gymnastics and cycling.
October, for 1 month, Pano Platres, Troodos
Visitors can learn about the 674 indigenous herbs and essential oils.
November, Platres, Troodos
Classic car rally along winding mountain roads.
End of November - beginning of January, Enaerios area
Festive atmosphere, Luna park, ice skating ring, arts and crafts, music and dance shows with famous artists.
End of December - beginning of January, Germasogeia area
Festive atmosphere, Luna park, arts and crafts, music and dance shows.
December, Anexartesias street
Festive atmosphere and fun activities for children.
December 31, at 23.00, Gregori Afxentiou Square
Musical evening with celebrations and fireworks.