Cyprus Events and Festivals
January
The Winter Cup: is held in January every year at Nicosia Race
Club and is the only race where bets are placed. It is a popular race for
thoroughbreds which are four years or older and is held over a distance of 1,000
metres.
Agios Neofytos Day:
the Agios Neofytos Monastery in Paphos was founded at the end of the 12th
century by the local writer Neofytos. Every January, the monastery plays host to
a two-day traditional fair. You will find numerous Cypriot crafts, foods and
souvenirs to take home. Live music is also on offer.
February
 Presentation of Jesus to the Temple Fair:
the Chrysorrogiatissa Monastery near Paphos hosts a traditional fair every
February to celebrate the day when Jesus was presented to the temple after his
birth. The fair is host to much entertainment, local craft displays and
delicious food.
Troodos International Ski Competition:
Troodos is home to an international ski competition under the sponsorship of the
International Ski Federation. It is very popular with both skiers and
non-skiers, attracting people from around the world.
 Carnival Monday:
a parade takes place on the Monday before the first day of Lent along the
seafront promenade in Larnaca. There is plenty of music, dancing and local food
to sample. The parade starts from the Larnaca police station, works its way
along the seafront and finishes at the medieval castle.
March
 Green Monday:
this day marks the beginning of Lent and is celebrated in Paphos with a picnic
and a kite-flying competition, although all other towns and cities on the island
celebrate this day as well. The first Monday of Lent is a Bank Holiday in
Cyprus, with picnics being held across the island. During Lent, meat and dairy
products are forbidden, so families and friends gather for vegetarian picnics of
bread and olives.
 Annunciation Day Fair:
every year the villages of Klirou and Kalavasos host their own version of the
traditional fair of the Feast of the Annunciation. Festivities include dancing,
singing, live music and the selling of local crafts.
April
The Procession of St Lazarus:
eight days before the Greek Orthodox celebration of Easter, Larnaca celebrates
the feast day of its patron saint, St Lazarus. There are lively processions
headed by priests who give a service before parading in the streets.
May
 Europe Day:
Larnaca celebrates its membership of the European Union. Festivities including
dancing, music and the celebration of all things European take place around the
town, with a special show held at the seafront.
Anthestiria Flower Festival:
this is a celebration of spring. A parade of flower floats carrying people and
fresh flowers travel throughout Paphos. The festival dates back to ancient Greek
times, when flower festivals were held celebrating the rebirth of man and
nature.
June
 Children’s Festival:
Ayia Napa has devoted a day to children every summer for 11 years. Entertainment
can be found in the main square, which is also lined with stalls.
Kataklysmos:
a unique Cypriot event celebrating the Festival of the Flood, which is marked by
fun and games at all seaside towns and includes lots of water.
July
Pissouri Summer Festival:
the village of Pissouri is located high up on the hillside and is host to a week
of cultural events and fun in the summer. You will see dance and theatre
performances, live music and plenty of food and drink as well as shows taking
place in the local amphitheatre.
Limassol Beer Festival:
this festival in the Molos area offers locals and visitors the chance to enjoy
various local and imported beers including KEO, Heineken, Becks, Amstel, Stella
Artois, Budweiser and Hoegaarden. You will find DJs and lots of live music to
keep drinkers entertained.
August
The Assumption:
churches across the island celebrate the feast with local traditions, which
differ from place to place. Rural churches often offer animals, property and
food.
Limassol’s Wine Festival:
Limassol is Cyprus' wine-growing capital and it celebrates its status with the
annual grape harvest festival. Many of the island's wineries and vineyards meet
to share some of the rewards for their work. This wine tasting event attracts
over 100,000 visitors every year.
Visit this website for further information about
Limassol and its wine festival.
September
 Paradise Jazz Festival:
the Paradise Jazzers (20 jazz musicians from London) tour the Paphos area,
bringing their music to over five venues across the town. The festival was
founded in 1999 by David Locke, with the aim of bringing the best of London's
young jazz musicians to Cyprus.
October
 Cyprus Independence Day:
Nicosia provides a stunning setting for the celebration of this public holiday.
It starts with a military parade in the city centre and ends with a reception at
the Presidential Palace in the evening.
Kypria Festival:
this annual festival is one of the most important cultural events held in
southern Cyprus. The programming includes ballet, opera, cinema, art, theatre
and music, all of which are performed by distinguished local and international
artists. The event is based on ancient traditions of Cyprus.
November
 Archangel Michael Day:
every year, the Archangel Michael Monastery in Lefkosia celebrates this day with
numerous festivities. There is always an abundance of local food and wine as
well as the chance to see the 1785 fresco of the Archangel Michael, to whom the
monastery is dedicated.
December
Christmas: is a strict religious holiday in Cyprus, a time for remembering Jesus
and also a time for families. No businesses open during the Christmas period and
many people travel to see relatives.
National Public Holidays
New Years Day January 1
Epiphany January 6
Green Monday February 24
Greek National Day March 25
Greek Cypriot National Day April 1
Greek Orthodox Easter April to May
Labour Day May 1
Assumption August 15
Cyprus Independence Day October 1
Greek National Day October 28
Christmas December 24 to 26
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