Cyprus may be famed for its stunning beaches and rich history. However, visitors can also revel in countless exciting festivals that capture its cultural heritage and vibrant spirit! From religious celebrations and traditional food festivals to majestic musical celebrations and dance events, there’s always a good reason to rejoice in an unforgettable experience. This Cyprus festival fever truly adds an extra layer of excitement and joy to any visit to the island.
What’s more, three long weekends in the spring provide the ideal opportunity for a short break. Starting with Green Monday on March 18th, this beloved holiday right after carnival marks the start of Lent as people around the island head to the lush green countryside to enjoy healthy picnics under bright open skies.
On Monday, March 25th, Cyprus honours Greek Independence Day with another public holiday, followed by celebrations around the island for Cyprus National Day on Monday, April 1st.
Long weekends aside, here’s the lowdown on some of the most exciting 2024 events that give everyone the chance to experience the island’s pulsating heartbeat! What exciting Cyprus festivals will you pencil into your calendar this year?
Limassol Carnival – The pulse of joy
If one event captures Cypriots’ fun-loving and outgoing spirit, it simply has to be the grand Limassol Carnival. Moreover, a truly international extravaganza, the event attracts exuberant crowds of all nationalities from across the island and far beyond in a massive celebration to mark the beginning of the Greek Orthodox Lent.
The festivities and parties last approximately two weeks, culminating in the highly-anticipated carnival. Set to take place this year on March 17th, 2024, be sure to join in with the fun as you groove through the city streets alongside dancers, performers, and the most flamboyant floats! Carnival competitions and boisterous balls also bring the seaside town to life throughout the carnival season.
Anthestiria Festival – An ode to nature’s bounty
Anyone who has visited Cyprus in the spring knows that the island takes on an altogether different charm. The countryside is blanketed in vibrant green, the sweet smell of almond and orange blossoms punctuate the air, and the weather is mild and delightful – perfect for sightseeing, long leisurely walks, and countryside exploring.
To mark the arrival of spring, the beautiful Anthestiria festival pays homage to the amazing ‘Anthos’ (meaning flower in Greek). The occasion is inspired by the ancient festival held in Athens in honour of Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility.
Paphos is particularly well known for its Anthestiria celebrations, typically taking place in May. Families and individuals of all ages gather in the charming seaside town to witness the vibrant spectacle of the Flower Parade. Here, participants don colourful costumes and march through the streets, accompanied by floats adorned with flowers and intricate floral arrangements.
The event often features traditional music, dancing, performances, art displays, flower exhibitions, and traditional food and drink stalls. Anthestiria celebrations also take place in the seaside towns of Larnaca and Paphos.
Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood) – A Splashing Delight
Warm summer days in Cyprus go hand in hand with glorious seaside bliss and lazy moments by the water’s edge. But during one notable day of the year, Cyprus’ glistening shores transform into an action-packed hub of activity as everyone gathers to celebrate Kataklysmos – one of the most famous festivals on the island honouring the Holy Spirit and commemorating Noah’s rescue from the flood).
Keep in mind that the festival always takes place 50 days after Orthodox Easter (24th June this year). As families gather by the seaside to enjoy picnics and traditional treats, you can look forward to many water-related activities, including boat races, swimming competitions, and water games. While the biggest Kataklysmos festival takes place in Larnaca, all seaside towns host their own fun celebrations!
Wine Festivals – The fruits of the harvest
Cyprus enjoys an exceptionally long winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years. Late summer is a crucial time for winemaking on the island as the grape harvest season moves into full swing. A cultural tradition deeply rooted in Cypriot heritage, the grape harvest season culminates in various celebrations and wine festivals across the country where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy traditional Cypriot music, dance, and, of course, sample the newly pressed wines.
The annual Limassol Wine Festival is the most famous in the country, typically taking place in early September in the Limassol Municipal Gardens. From wine tasting to folklore performances and concerts, each action-packed day pays homage to delicious Cyprus grape!
Further afield, wine-making villages across Limassol and Paphos host their own special grape festivals throughout September and October. Winetasting competitions steal the spotlight, captivating visitors keen on discovering more about the best Cyprus wines. Meanwhile, culinary enthusiasts can revel in various delectable creations crafted from grape juice, including the irresistible ‘palouzes’ and ‘soujoukos’.
Paphos Aphrodite Festival
On a high note Paphos is famed as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. And every year, the seaside town hosts an annual September opera festival in her honour. Held under the moonlight at the Paphos harbour, against the backdrop of the Paphos Medieval Castle, the Paphos Aphrodite
Festival is a real highlight of Cyprus’ cultural agenda and hosts high calibre international opera groups and performers, attracting opera enthusiasts from around the world.
After a temporary hiatus following the outbreak of Covid-19, this cherished event on Cyprus’ annual cultural calendar is set to make a triumphant return in 2024, much to the delight of its eager attendees. Prepare to gather under the stars to enjoy a spectacular performance, accompanied by the mesmerizing sounds of the Mediterranean Sea.
Ayia Napa Medieval Festival – A journey through time
Ayia Napa may be a summer hot spot, but the stunning coastal resort boasts a unique appeal in the autumn months when the sizzling heat subsides, the crowds die down, and the beaches become blissfully quiet. Every autumn, the Ayia Napa Medieval Festival honours the enduring spirit of the past with a week of thrilling action every October, beckoning audiences of all ages to witness the magic of a bygone era.
From vibrant street performances, inspiring concerts, and exuberant dance shows to street parades and medieval markets, there’s no end to the fun! You can also set your sights on stunning medieval weapons and embroidery. Or simply kick back and try your hand at pottery making or basketry in various medieval workshops.
No matter which festivals most appeal to you, be sure to make the most of the celebrations with a luxurious stay by the golden shores of Paphos or Ayia Napa.
Whether you’re craving a romantic break with your other half or want to enjoy the best festivals in Cyprus with all the family, now’s the time to book a dreamy holiday tailored to your needs and desires. Check out the Kanika Hotels & Resorts collection to find your ideal hotel and make the most of the memory-packed getaway that you deserve!
A luxurious, couples-only escape, blending upscale elegance with relaxed seaside charm, and offering tailored services and unique experiences for couples.
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Experience luxury and endless leisure at our all-inclusive Olympic Lagoon Resorts Paphos, on a prime Blue Flag beach. With personalised services, and daily signature entertainment for couples and families.
Overlooking a Blue Flag beach and Paphos harbour, Alexander the Great, offers luxury accommodations steps from the shore, with excellent leisure facilities, and exceptional dining.
The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept has been developed by our award-winning team of Executive Chefs and Sommeliers in close cooperation with our consultant Michellin starred chef, Theodor Falser. The concept is designed to provide an innovative approach to dining by offering MadeForTwo guests the exclusive opportunity to experience unique and creative meals served in beautiful locations and settings, each one featuring a unique ambience and mood. The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept includes the following:
Diverse culinary experience that combines modern fine-dining menus , fusion tasting menus and themed live cooking menus
Dine-around option includes our 4 signature restaurants; indoor Ezaria and Nocturne; outdoor Immenso and Fortolana
Indoor dining featuring from themed menus prepared in an open kitchen to luxury 7 course fine dining and fusion menus
Menus inspired by Cypriot, Mediterranean, Asian and other favourite cuisines from around the world, captured in innovative, contemporary and original taste combinations
Outdoor dining by the beach and on the roof garden with spectacular sunset views
Evening meals include aperitifs , premium wine labels, premium local beers, non-alcoholic drinks and digestifs, coffees & teas in our themed restaurants
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Your Price Includes
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The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept has been developed by our award-winning team of Executive Chefs and Sommeliers in close cooperation with our consultant Michellin starred chef, Theodor Falser. The concept is designed to provide an innovative approach to dining by offering MadeForTwo guests the exclusive opportunity to experience unique and creative meals served in beautiful locations and settings, each one featuring a unique ambience and mood. The Kanika Half-Board Premium gastronomy and culinary concept includes the following:
A diverse culinary experience that combines modern fine dining menus, fusion tasting menus and theme live-cooking menus
A dine-around experience in four signature restaurants: Ezaria and Nocturne (indoors), Immenso and Fortolana (outdoors)
Ten signature live cooking theme buffet nights cooked in an open kitchen at the Ezaria restaurant
Menus inspired by Cypriot, Mediterranean, Asian and other favourite cuisines from around the world, captured in innovative, contemporary and original taste combinations
Outdoor dining on the terrace and on the roof garden with spectacular sunset views
Evening meals include aperitifs , premium wine labels, premium local beers, non-alcoholic drinks and digestifs, coffees & teas in our themed restaurants
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Your Price Includes
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There is little doubt that the offerings of our award-winning luxury resorts outrank any other all-included resort in Cyprus. Couples and families enjoy superior gastronomy including dining options, all-day snacks and unlimited branded drinks, combined with an array of bespoke facilities, amenities and services. Here’s what you can look forward to:
The most extensive dine-around concept in as many as 7 themed restaurants with à la carte menus, all-day snacks, premium ice-cream creations and themed buffet nights featuring unique culinary experiences, each with a unique setting and ambience.
A world of leisure and recreation with as many as 7 themed swimming pools featuring waterfalls, waterslides, hydro-relaxation loungers and zero-level pool entries, nestled in a tropical island setting with large landscaped gardens, lakes and beautiful palm trees.
As many as 4 themed bars, each with a unique setting and ambience, open from early in the morning until late at night, serving the world’s best alcoholic brands in unlimited premium alcoholic drinks and signature cocktails.
The most spectacular evening entertainment with our 7 signature musical shows and concerts staged daily at the high-tech entertainment arena, and many other entertainment acts performed in various venues and settings around the resorts.
The most extensive entertainment and weekly animation programme with more than 150 fun-packed activities performed by the proud Kanika All-Stars Team of professional actors, musicians, animators, qualified childcare experts and sports instructors.
Most engaging weekly kids and teens programmes with 3 dedicated supervised clubs including our own All-Stars soccer academy offering supervised interactive all day activities and sports, customised for groups of all ages.
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Your Price Includes
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There is little doubt that the offerings of our award-winning luxury resort outranks any other all-included resort in Cyprus. Couples and families enjoy superior gastronomy including dining options, all-day snacks and unlimited branded drinks, combined with an array of bespoke facilities, amenities and services. Here’s what you can look forward to:
The most extensive dine-around concept in as many as 6 themed restaurants with à la carte menus, all-day snacks, premium ice-cream creations and themed buffet nights featuring unique culinary experiences, each with a unique setting and ambience.
A world of leisure and recreation with as many as 5 themed swimming pools featuring waterfalls, waterslides, hydro-relaxation loungers and zero-level pool entries, nestled in a tropical island setting with large landscaped gardens, lakes and beautiful palm trees.
As many as 5 themed bars, each with a unique setting and ambience, open from early in the morning until late at night, serving the world’s best alcoholic brands in unlimited premium alcoholic drinks and signature cocktails.
The most spectacular evening entertainment with our 7 signature musical shows and concerts staged daily at the high-tech entertainment arena, and many other entertainment acts performed in various venues and settings around the resorts.
The most extensive entertainment and weekly animation programme with more than 150 fun-packed activities performed by the proud Kanika All-Stars Team of professional actors, musicians, animators, qualified childcare experts and sports instructors.
Most engaging weekly kids and teens programmes with 3 dedicated supervised clubs including our own All-Stars soccer academy offering supervised interactive all day activities and sports, customised for groups of all ages.
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Your Price Includes
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Our dine-around food and beverage experience caters to every taste bud, with three themed restaurants and endless culinary choice to tempt you, as part of our Half Board Plus package. Enhance the dining extravaganza with Full Board Plus, providing even more inclusions around the clock.
Lavish breakfast, and the choice of lunch or dinner taking you on a culinary journey around the world
Diverse culinary experience that combines modern fine-dining menus , fusion tasting menus and theme live cooking menus
A glass of sparkling wine, a glass of premium wine or a glass of premium local beer, or a glass of soft drink or juice and a bottle of mineral water for two
Menus inspired by Cypriot, Mediterranean, Asian and other favourite cuisines from around the world, captured in innovative, contemporary and original taste combinations
Dine-around option includes four outlets; with 3 à la carte restaurants
Outdoor dining by the beach with spectacular sunset views