In this article, we will introduce you to the most famous festivals in Cyprus. We recommend planning your trip to the island around one of these events, as they provide a unique opportunity to experience the country and its people more intimately.
Contents
- 1 Wine Festival (Limassol)
- 2 Rose Festival (Agros)
- 3 Anthestiria – Flower Festival (Limassol)
- 4 Pharos International Chamber Music Festival (Nicosia)
- 5 Street Life Festival (Limassol)
- 6 Medieval Festival (Ayia Napa)
- 7 Strawberry Festival (Deryneia)
- 8 Pastelli Festival (Anogyra)
- 9 Water Festival (Larnaca)
- 10 Beer Festivals (Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos)
Wine Festival (Limassol)
This is the most famous and popular festival in Cyprus, held annually in the municipal park of Limassol.
Dates: Late August to the first week of September. The festival events take place in the evening from 19:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and until 23:30 on weekends.
This massive wine fair features products from wineries across the country. You can sample a variety of Cypriot wines and purchase your favorites. The festival also includes traditional activities such as grape stomping, folk singing, and more. Visitors can enjoy traditional Cypriot dishes and various creative performances.
How to get there: From Limassol, you can take bus No. 30 to the park. From other cities such as Paphos, Larnaca, Nicosia, and Ayia Napa, free buses are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, provided by the Cyprus Tourism Organization.
Rose Festival (Agros)
The village of Agros is known for its traditional production of rose petal products and hosts a unique festival dedicated to this beautiful flower.
Dates: Mid-May, on Saturday and Sunday.
At the festival, you can participate in interesting workshops, try your hand at picking rose petals, learn how rose products are made, explore traditional Cypriot crafts, and enjoy drinks and dishes made from rose petals, as well as musical and dance performances.
How to get there: The village of Agros is nestled in the Troodos mountains and can only be reached by car.
Anthestiria – Flower Festival (Limassol)
This festival celebrates the beauty, diversity, and majesty of Cyprus’s nature and its unique flowers. The festival has its roots in ancient Greece, where it was held in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine.
Dates: May, the first or second weekend of the month.
During this event, you can visit flower exhibitions, watch the flower parade, buy bouquets or seedlings at the fair, and enjoy music and dancing.
Pharos International Chamber Music Festival (Nicosia)
This is one of the most important musical events in Cyprus, attracting classical music lovers from all over the country. The festival is traditionally held at The Shoe Factory concert hall, which fills to capacity, with around 2,000 attendees.
Dates: May-June.
Street Life Festival (Limassol)
During this festival, the walls of Saripolou come alive with creativity! Crowds gather to admire street art or create their own colorful masterpieces. Each year, about 10,000 participants enjoy graffiti, musical performances, paintings, juggler shows, and shopping at handmade stalls.
Dates: Early May.
Medieval Festival (Ayia Napa)
This festival takes place in the historic area of the city, near the medieval monastery.
Dates: Early October.
Visitors to this event can enjoy theatrical performances set in the authentic surroundings of the medieval monastery, attend concerts, try on medieval costumes, buy food at themed markets, attend workshops on traditional Cypriot crafts, and visit exhibitions of medieval art.
Strawberry Festival (Deryneia)
The star of this event is the delicious Cypriot strawberry. Participants can taste strawberry-based treats, attend various concerts, and buy loads of strawberries. The event is held twice a year in Cyprus.
How to get there: By bus No. 502 from Ayia Napa or Paralimni.
Pastelli Festival (Anogyra)
Pastelli, a traditional Cypriot dessert, is the highlight of this large-scale event. You can learn how to make this treat, sample it along with other sweets, visit the pastelli museum, or enjoy a concert.
How to get there: Anogyra is located at the foot of the Troodos mountains, between Limassol and Paphos, and can only be reached by car.
Water Festival (Larnaca)
During this festival, the Finikoudes promenade comes alive with songs and crowds of guests. The event includes musical and folk concerts, performances by local artists, entertainment areas, and concerts.
Dates: Late spring to early summer, the day after the celebration of the Holy Trinity.
Beer Festivals (Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos)
These are fairs where you can sample and purchase a wide variety of Cypriot beers. The festival also features various competitions, street entertainment, and concerts.
Dates: August-September.
