SOMETHING TO DO YEAR-AROUND IN CYPRUS
JANUARY
January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 MUSICAL SUNDAYS
A series of cultural events with traditional songs and dances, classical, contemporary music and
happenings, organised by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation in Lemesos (Agios Tychonas),
Larnaka (Sea Front Stage) and Pafos (Limanaki).
January 6 EPIPHANY
Epiphany is one of the most important religious celebrations of the year. Following
a special Mass at the Cathedral of each town, a religious procession
takes place down to the sea, at around 10.30 hrs, leading to a
ceremonial baptism of the Holy Cross into the sea. During the ceremony
the Bishop throws the Holy Cross into the sea and young men dive into
the water to retrieve the cross and return it to the priest.
Religious celebrations in all seaside towns:
Lemesos: Agia Napa Church – Lemesos (Limassol) old port
Larnaka: Agios Lazaros Church – Larnaka marina
Pafos: Theoskepasti Church – Pafos harbour
Polis: Agios Andreas Church – Latsi fishing shelter
Agia Napa: Agia Napa Church – Agia Napa harbour
January LARNAKA CULTURAL WINTER
Music,
dance and theatre with the participation of soloists and ensembles from
Cyprus and abroad at the Larnaka Municipal Theatre organised by the
Larnaka Municipality (tel.24657745)
January AGIA NAPA / PARALIMNI CULTURAL WINTER
Dance and music performances organised every Thursday by
the Agia Napa Municipality and every Friday by the Paralimni
Municipality in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
FEBRUARY
February, 24 - March 6 CARNIVAL
Carnival is a ten-day period of fun and eating, prior to fifty days of fasting, before Easter. During
the first week called Meat Week, it is allowed to eat meat, whereas
during the second week known as Cheese Week, only cheese and other dairy
products are consumed. Carnival festivities begin on Thursday of the
Meat Week. Carnival parades and fancy–dress balls are very popular and
take place in Lemesos and Pafos.
Lemesos (Limassol):
February 24: Entrance of King Carnival in the town
February 27: Children’s Carnival Parade
March, 5: Serenaders’ Parade in the town centre
March, 6: The Grand Carnival Parade of chariots and groups of people along Makarios III Ave.
Pafos:
February 24: Entrance of King Carnival, at the commercial centre of Pafos
March, 5: Carnival Parade of chariots and groups of people along Poseidonos Ave.
February 5, 12, 19, 26 MUSICAL SATURDAYS
A
series of cultural events with traditional songs and dances, classical,
contemporary music and happenings, organised by the Cyprus Tourism
Organisation and Lefkosia Municipality in the old town of Lefkosia (end
of Ledra street)
February 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 MUSICAL SUNDAYS
A series of cultural events with traditional songs and dances, classical, contemporary music and
happenings, organised by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation in Lemesos (Agios Tychonas),
Larnaka (Sea Front Stage) and Pafos (Limanaki).
February 20 Cycling Race – “CYPRUS SUNSHINE CUP #1”
Organised by the Cyprus Cycling Federation at Voroklini village, Ammochostos District.
For further information: tel: 96 512811, e-mail: ccf@cytanet.com.cy, www.mtbcyprus.com
February AGIA NAPA / PARALIMNI CULTURAL WINTER
Dance and music performances organised every Thursday by
the Agia Napa Municipality and every Friday by the Paralimni
Municipality in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
MARCH
March, 7 GREEN MONDAY (50 days before the Greek Easter)
The
first day of Lent, is a day of joy, laughter and vegetarian picnics.
Green Monday is followed by a fifty days fasting period, during which
Christians prepare themselves to receive the Redeemer, shunning meat and
dairy products and living on a vegetarian diet.
Events and activities take place in all towns and villages:
Agia Napa: Cape Gkreko
Larnaka: Tekke Grove
Pafos: Kato Pafos (Faros Beach)
Pervolia village (Larnaka District): Rigena Medieval Tower (tel. 24423330)
Polis: Polis Municipal Beach
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 MUSICAL SUNDAYS
A series of cultural events with traditional songs and dances, classical, contemporary music and
happenings, organised by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation in Lemesos (Agios Tychonas),
Larnaka (Sea Front Stage) and Pafos (Limanaki).
March AGIA NAPA / PARALIMNI CULTURAL WINTER
Dance and music performances organised every Thursday by
the Agia Napa Municipality and every Friday by the Paralimni
Municipality in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
APRIL
April 24 GREEK ORTHODOX EASTER
Easter
the biggest Greek Orthodox religious feast is celebrated in Cyprus with
great solemnity. Evening services take place throughout the Holy Week.
Good Friday - April 22
Α procession of decorated Sepulchres takes place in all parishes at around 20:30.
Easter Saturday - April 23
At midnight an open-air mass takes place in every church.
EASTER SUNDAY & MONDAY - April 24, 25
On Easter Sunday and Monday afternoons traditional games are organised in towns and villages:
Lefkosia (Nicosia) District: Kourdali and Spilia villages
Lemesos (Limassol) District:
Lemesos town, Agios Tychonas, Pano Polemidia, Sykopetra (tel:
99569408), Kellaki (tel. 99604792), Pissouri (tel. 25222292), Episkopi
(tel. 25934015), Anogyra and Agros villages
Larnaka District: Pervolia village (tel. 24423330)
Pafos District: Pafos town, Geroskipou, Tala, Kathikas, Tsada, Chlorakas, Kissonerga, Stroumbi and Neo Chorio villages
Ammochostos (Famagusta) District: Agia Napa, Frenaros, Paralimni, Deryneia and Achna villages.
April 3, 10, 17, 24 MUSICAL SUNDAYS
A series of cultural events with traditional songs and dances, classical, contemporary music and
happenings, organised by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation in Lemesos (Agios Tychonas),
Larnaka (Sea Front Stage) and Pafos (Limanaki).
MAY
May 7, 8 FLOWER FESTIVAL (ANTHESTIRIA)
“Anthestiria” is a celebration for the coming of Spring and the renewal of nature and life dating back to Ancient Greece. The programme includes amongst others a Flower exhibition and a parade of group of people and chariots.
Lemesos – Germasogeia: 7 -8 /5/2011, celebrations organised by the Germasogeia Municipality, tel. 25879898
Saturday: Flower exhibition and market at the Potamos Germasogeias parking place
Sunday:
Parade of groups of people and chariots decorated with flowers, along
the coast road starting from the Apollonia Hotel towards Germasogeia
Police Station
Larnaka: 9
/5 /10, celebrations and parade along Athens Avenue and at the Larnaka
Seafront Stage, organised by the Larnaka Municipality, tel. 24657745 or
24629333
Pafos: 15 -16 /5 /10, celebrations and parade along Poseidonos Avenue, organised by the Pafos Municipality, tel. 26932014
June 13 PENTECOST- KATAKLYSMOS (Flood Festival)
“Kataklysmos” is a religious and popular feast celebrated only in Cyprus. “Kataklysmos”, which means flood, is found in the book of Genesis and in the Greek myth of Deukalion. In
both cases it refers to the destruction by flood of almost all living
creatures in order to give birth to a new and moral generation. The ceremonies last for a few days and take place in all seaside towns. Celebrations include various games, folk dances, swimming competitions and boat races.
Festivities in all seaside towns:
Larnaka: 3 – 13/6/11 (music, dance, poetry, theatre, competitions) at the Larnaka Palm Trees Promenade organised by the Larnaka Municipality, tel. 24657745
Lemesos:
11 – 13/6/11 at the Seafront Promenade (west of the Municipal Gardens),
organised by the Lemesos Municipality, tel. 25745919 or 25343120
Agia Napa: 11 – 13/6/11 at Agia Napa harbour, organised by the Agia Napa Municipality
tel.23816307
Paralimni 12/6/11 at Fig Tree Bay
Pafos: 11 – 13/6/11 at Castle square, Kato Pafos, organised by the Pafos Municipality, tel.26932014
Polis: 11 – 13/6/11 at Latsi fishing shelter, organised by the Polis Municipality, tel. 26321321
May (end) 11th ANNUAL PHAROS INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Organised by the Pharos Trust at the PASYDY Auditorium in Lefkosia. The
Festival welcomes to Cyprus several accomplished chamber musicians from
the current international circuit, performing a range of works for
strings and piano. For further information: tel.22663871,
www.thepharostrust.org
JUNE
June 15 - 21 THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS IN COMPAK IN SHOOTING
Organised by the Cyprus Shooting Federation (tel.22449820) at the Shooting Range of Parekklisia village (Lemesos District), www.cssf-shooting.org
June SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL AT KOURION
Organised by the Performing Arts for Cyprus Charities, at the Kourion Ancient Theatre. William Shakespeare Theatre. For further information: tel. 99427572
JULY
July 1 – 2 WORLD FAMOUS MUSICALS
The concert re-visits the best moments from some of the world's favourite musicals. Organisers: Larnaka Municipality, tel. 24657745 or 24629333 Venue: Pattichion Municipal Amphitheatre
July KOUMANDARIA FESTIVAL
Organised by the communities of the Kourris Valley and Xylourikou (Alassa, Agios Georgios,
Silikou, Doros, Laneia, Monagri, Silikou, Agios Mamas, Apesia, Kapileio, Korfi and Limnatis)
For further information: tel. 25340385, 99606641
July THE GREAT BALLET COMPANIES
The
Ballet Festival is ranked among the most important events in Cyprus
attracting great numbers of both local and foreign visitors.
Organisers: Lemesos Municipality, tel. 25745919 or 25343120
Venue: Municipal Garden Theatre in Lemesos (Limassol).
July (end) CYPRUS FIVB CHALLENGER 2011
International Beach Volley Championship
Organised by the Sun Atlantis Sport Events and the Geroskipou Municipality, at the CTO Tourist Beach in Geroskipou, Pafos area. For further information: tel. 26964525, www.sun-atlantis.com
July CULTURAL MONTH OF MOUNTAIN RESORTS
Venue:
Pano Platres, Kato Platres, Foini, Mandria, Omodos, Pera Pedi, Koilani,
Kouka and Moniatis villages, Lemesos District, tel 25422453
July 15TH INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
ANCIENT GREEK DRAMA 2011
An
annual international theatre festival that hosts professional
productions of ancient Greek drama from different cultures around the
world. Organisers: Cyprus Centre of International Theatre Institute,
tel. 22674920, www.cyprus-theatre-iti.org
Venues: Kourion Ancient Theatre, Makarios III Amphitheatre in Lefkosia, Pafos Ancient Odeon
Kourion Ancient Theatre and Makarios III Amphitheatre in Lefkosia
AUGUST
September 2 - 11 WINE FESTIVAL
The
Wine Festival was organised for the first time in 1961 and since then
it has become an established annual event of merrymaking and fun,
offering a joyful atmosphere to visitors from all over Cyprus and abroad. Wine from the barrels is on offer free of charge every evening.
Organisers: Cultural Services of Lemesos (Limassol) Municipality
Venue: Lemesos Municipal Gardens
SEPTEMBER
September 2, 3, 4 PAFOS APHRODITE FESTIVAL (OPERA)
The
Pafos Aphrodite Festival is an international annual artistic event with
world famous opera performances which take place in the open air in
front of the Medieval Castle in Pafos.
For further information: tel.: 26822218, www.pafc.com.cy, e-mail: info@pafc.com.cy
September 23, 24, 25 27th AGIA NAPA FESTIVAL
Organised by the Agia Napa Municipality, tel. 23816307. The programme includes amongst others traditional delicacies preparation, arts and crafts and music and dances.
Organised by the Agia Napa Municipality, tel. 23816307
Sept – October INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL “KYPRIA 2011”
A
major cultural event organised by the Cultural Services of the Ministry
of Education and Culture (tel. 22800985), with high quality
performances in Lefkosia (Nicosia), Lemesos (Limassol) and Larnaka.
OCTOBER
October 6th Medieval Ayia Napa Festival
The programme includes medieval performances by European Groups and its organised by Ayia Napa Municipality, tel. 23816307
NOVEMBER
November AGIA NAPA / PARALIMNI CULTURAL WINTER
Dance and music performances organised every Thursday by
the Agia Napa Municipality and every Friday by the Paralimni
Municipality in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
DECEMBER
December AGIA NAPA / PARALIMNI CULTURAL WINTER
Dance and music performances organised every Thursday by
the Agia Napa Municipality and every Friday by the Paralimni
Municipality in collaboration with the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
December CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS IN LEFKOSIA (NICOSIA)
Festivities take place all over Cyprus and the Christmas spirit can be felt everywhere, especially
in Lefkosia (Nicosia) where the Christmas festivities have recently become a main annual
event. Events and displays are organised during the Christmas holidays at Eleftheria Square
and the nearby area.
December CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR’S EVE FESTIVITIES
Events organised in all the towns of the island.
ALL YEAR ROUND EVENTS
A) Walking Tours
Guided
tours in and around Lefkosia, Lemesos, Larnaka, Pafos, Agia Napa and
Germasogeia village (Lemesos area) are offered free of charge by the
above Municipalities and are organised in collaboration with the Cyprus
Tourism Organisation and the Cyprus Tourist Guides Association.
Every Monday
1. Kaimakli Bus & Walking Tour, Lefkosia (Nicosia) (in English)
Starting point: Tourist Information Office in Laiki Geitonia, Lefkosia - Free participation
2. “Historic Limassol Walk”, Lemesos (Limassol) (in English)
Starting point: Tourist Information Office, Lemesos - Free participation
3. “Agia Napa and the Sea: A Different Dimension” (by bus) (English - German)
Every Monday (November - March)
For reservations contact the Tourist Information Office, tel: 23721796)
Starting Point: Tourist Information Office, Agia Napa
Every Wednesday
1. Larnaka Walk “Past and Present”
(free participation)
Starting point: Tourist Information Office, Larnaka
2. Germasogeia Walks (in English)
a) Germasogeia - A Village Blessed by Water
b) Discover the Natural Environment of Germasogeia
Every Wednesday (October - April) - Each one every other week
Starting point: Tourist Information Office, Germasogeia, Lemesos District
(For reservations contact the Tourist Information Office, tel: 25323211)
Every Thursday
1. Lefkosia (Nicosia) Walking Tour (in English)
(free participation)
Starting point: Tourist Information Office in Laiki Geitonia, Lefkosia
2. Pafos Walking Tour (in English)
(free participation)
Starting point: Tourist Information Office, Gladstonos 3, Pafos
For information and bookings, tel: 26 932841.
Every Friday
1. Lefkosia (Nicosia) Outside the Walls (in English), (free participation)
Starting point: Tourist Information Office in Laiki Geitonia, Lefkosia
2. “Skala (Larnaka) - Its craftsmen”
(free participation)
Starting point: Larnaka Medieval Castle
3. Germasogeia Walks (in Finnish)
a) Germasogeia - A Village Blessed by Water
b) Discover the Natural Environment of Germasogeia
Every Friday (November-April) - Each one every other week
Starting point: Tourist Information Office, Germasogeia, Lemesos District
(For reservations contact the Tourist Information Office, tel: 25323211)
4. “Agia Napa and the Sea: A Different Dimension” (by bus) (English – Swedish)
Every Friday (November - March)
Starting Point: Tourist Information Office, Agia Napa
(For reservations contact the Tourist Information Office, tel: 23721796)
B) Religious Fairs (Panigiria)
Many
colourful fairs are held in villages, reviving traditional village
life, when saint’s name-days are celebrated around the main churches.
Local products and sweets are sold at stalls especially set up for the
occasion. A procession of the Saint’s icon around the church takes place during the previous evening’s church service.
February 2 Presentation of Jesus to the Temple
Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery (Pafos District)
April 23 Saint George’s Day
Paralimni village.
May 21 Saints Constantine and Helena’s Day
Religious fair at Tsada village (Pafos District)
July 17 Saint Marina’s Day
Xylotymbou village (Ammochostos district)
July 26 Saint Paraskevi’s Day Geroskipou village (Pafos District) and Leivadia village (Larnaka District)
August 6 Transfiguration of Jesus Christ the Saviour
Sotira village (Ammochostos District)
August 15 Dormition of Virgin Mary (Assumption Day)
Kykko,
Chrysorrogiatissa and Agia Napa monasteries, Chrysospiliotissa church
at Deftera village (Lefkosia District), Liopetri village and Kiti
village (Larnaka District).
September 2 Saint Mamas’ Day
Peristerona village, near Polis
September 6 Archangels Michael’s Day
Frenaros village (Ammochostos District)
September 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Agia Napa Monastery (Ammochostos District), Arakapas village (Lemesos District)
September 14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Omodos village (Lemesos District) and Lefkara village (Larnaka District)
September 22 Saint Fokas’ Day
Athienou village (Larnaka District)
September 24 Saint Thekla’s Day
Sotira village (Ammochostos District)
September 28 Saint Neofytos’ Day
Agios Neofytos Monastery (Pafos District)
October 2 Saint Kyprianos’ Day
Meniko village (Lefkosia District)
October 4 Saint John Lampadistis’ Day
Kalopanagiotis village (Lefkosia District)
October 5 Saint Ermogenis’ Day
Agios Ermogenis church (Lemesos District)
October 6 Saint Kendeas’ Day
Agios Kendeas church, Avgorou village
October 17-18 Saint Luke’s Day
Kolossi, Kouklia and Aradippou villages
November 3 Saint George Kontos’ Day
Agios Georgios Kontos Church, in Larnaka town
November 7 - 8 Archangels Michael and Gabriel’s Day
Archangelos Michael Church at Kaimakli, Lefkosia
November 20 – 21 Presentation of Virgin Mary to the Temple
Pallouriotissa old church in Lefkosia and Agros village (Lemesos District)
November 30 Saint Andrew’s Day
Polis Chrysochous
December 16 Saint Modestos’ Day
Deryneia village (Ammochostos District)
Useful Telephones
Lefkosia District: Telephones
The Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre 22432577
Lefkosia Municipality Cultural Services 22797004
Lefkosia Municipal Theatre 22673218
State Gallery of Contemporary Cypriot Art 22304947
Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture 22800985
Cyprus Theatrical Organisation 22492900
Famagusta Gate 22430877
Anastasios G. Leventis Foundation 22667706
Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation 22848100
Cyprus Popular Bank Cultural Centre 22718601
Skali Cultural Centre 22336363
Strovolos Municipal Theatre 22313010
Cyprus Centre of International Theatre Institute 22674920
The Pharos Trust 22663871
Lemesos District:
Lemesos Patticheion Municipal Theatre 25343341
Rialto Theatre 25343900
77777745
Lemesos Municipality Cultural Services 25745919
Larnaka District:
Larnaka Patticheion Theatre 24629300
Larnaka Municipal Theatre 24665794
Larnaka Municipality Cultural Services 24657745, 24629333
Larnaka Municipal Gallery 24658848
Pierides Foundation 24651345
Ammochostos District:
Agia Napa Municipality Cultural Services 23816307
Paralimni Municipality 23819300
Deryneia Municipality 23811000
Pafos District:
Pafos Municipality Cultural Services 26932014
Pafos Aphrodite Festival Ltd 26822218
Pafos Markideion Theatre 26932571
Polis Chrysochous Municipality 26321321
Note:
In
the compilation of this leaflet every care has been taken to ensure
accuracy of information at the time of going to press (November 2009).
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation cannot however accept responsibility for
omissions in material supplied for inclusion, but where such are
brought to the attention of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, future
issues will be amended accordingly.
Cyprus Online: www.visitcyprus.com
The official website of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation provides comprehensive information on the
major attractions of Cyprus, complete with maps, updated calendar of events, detailed hotel guide,
downloadable photos, travel planner to help you organize a trip to Cyprus and suggested itineraries.
You will also find lists of tour operators selling Cyprus, information on conferences and incentives,
and a wealth of useful information.