Cyprus Annual Events & Festivals

The Christian feast of Epiphany is celebrated across Cyprus with special church services and the blessing of the waters ceremony. In coastal towns, a cross is thrown into the sea and young men dive to retrieve it. Limassol's harbour and Larnaca's seafront draw the biggest crowds.

Paphos holds its own carnival celebrations in parallel with Limassol, featuring costumed parades through Kato Paphos, live music, and street entertainment. Smaller and more family-friendly than the Limassol version, making it a good alternative for families with young children.

The start of Orthodox Lent, celebrated as a public holiday with picnics in the countryside, kite-flying, and traditional Lenten food (lagana bread, tahini, olives, seafood). It is one of Cyprus's most beloved outdoor celebrations — hills and parks across the island fill with families.

The Municipal Gardens in Limassol are transformed for this annual flower festival celebrating the arrival of spring. Thousands of varieties of flowers are displayed, and the event coincides with open-air concerts and cultural performances. One of the most photogenic events of the year.

An annual film festival showcasing international and local Cypriot cinema across multiple venues in Nicosia and occasionally Limassol. Screenings include features, documentaries, and short films from across Europe and the Middle East. Industry events and Q&As with directors are part of the programme.

Orthodox Easter is Cyprus's most important religious event. The midnight Anastasi service on Holy Saturday, when the lights are extinguished and the holy flame is passed through darkened churches, is one of the most moving sights in Cyprus. The following day, families gather for the traditional lamb spit-roast (souvla). Platres, Omodos, and other villages host the most atmospheric celebrations.

Larnaca's version of the ancient Greek flower festival features decorated floats, costumed parade participants, and flower-strewn streets through the old city. The parade along the Finikoudes promenade is the centrepiece, followed by music and dancing in the town square.

Open-air cultural performances in and around the ancient Paphos archaeological sites, using the natural backdrop of the Tombs of the Kings and the Paphos harbour castle as stages. A mix of theatre, dance, and music drawing both local and international performers.

A focused documentary film festival held annually in Limassol, screening international and Cypriot documentaries across several venues. The festival has grown significantly since its founding and now includes workshops and panel discussions.

A summer-long programme of open-air concerts, theatrical performances, and dance events held at the Limassol Municipal Amphitheatre and other open-air venues. International and Cypriot artists feature across genres including classical, pop, and traditional music.

Larnaca's summer arts festival features performances at the Larnaca Fort and other open-air venues around the city. Theatre, music, and dance events from local and international artists, often set against the backdrop of the medieval fort and the salt lake.

Performances of ancient Greek plays staged at the Paphos Odeon — a second-century Roman amphitheatre in the Archaeological Park — and at Kourion's ancient theatre. Among the most atmospheric theatre settings in the entire Mediterranean. Tickets required; international productions and local companies both feature.

Theatrical and musical performances at the magnificent Kourion amphitheatre, perched on the clifftops west of Limassol with views over the sea. The summer evenings make this one of the most memorable performance venues in Cyprus. Tickets sell out quickly — book well in advance.

One of the largest motorcycle gatherings in the Eastern Mediterranean, held annually near Limassol. Thousands of bikes and riders from across Europe and the Middle East participate, with scenic coastal and mountain routes forming the backbone of the event.

A celebration of Commandaria, Cyprus's ancient dessert wine — one of the oldest named wines in the world, continuously produced since at least the 12th century. The festival takes place in the Troodos foothills villages and includes tastings, traditional music, and local food.

A smaller but growing wine festival in Paphos, celebrating the wines of the Paphos district including those from the Akamas and Xeros valley vineyards. Held in the Paphos Municipal Gardens with tastings from regional producers, traditional music, and Cypriot mezze.

A major rally racing event held on the challenging mountain roads of Cyprus, forming part of the European Rally Championship. Spectator stages in the Troodos mountain region offer free vantage points. One of the few major motor sport events in the Eastern Mediterranean.

An annual jazz and world music festival held at venues around Larnaca, bringing international and regional artists to the city. A more intimate festival than the summer events, with a focus on quality of performance over scale.

A film festival focused on international cinema, held in Nicosia with screenings at multiple venues across the city. The festival has developed a strong reputation for programming from underrepresented cinemas alongside mainstream European releases.

Annual beer festival celebrating local and international craft beers, held in Nicosia. Local microbreweries including Aphrodite Hills Brewery and Archangelos showcase their products alongside imported European craft beers. Live music, street food, and a growing craft beer scene make this event increasingly popular.

Festive Christmas markets in Limassol Old Town and Nicosia's town square offer crafts, seasonal food, and mulled wine. Cyprus's warm winter climate makes these outdoor markets genuinely pleasant — typical December temperatures of 18-20°C mean outdoor events are comfortable without heavy coats.

Ayia Napa hosts large-scale New Year's Eve parties and outdoor concerts at the town square and local venues. While quieter than its summer peak, December in Ayia Napa is mild and the New Year festivities draw visitors from across Cyprus.