Calendar of the best festivals in Cyprus 2024
Published on 11th of April, 2024
Welcome to the enchanting world of Cypriot festivals!
One of the greatest advantages of Cyprus is the love and skill with which festivals are held here, and their incredible abundance. Cypriots always prepare thoroughly and spare no effort, emotions, or money.
Cities and villages literally transform into vibrant living pictures, creating unforgettable impressions. Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean Sea with a rich history and unique cultural heritage, where traditions and culture blend together. That's why deciding to visit a Cypriot festival can not only introduce you wonderfully to the local culture but also leave you with unforgettable memories, as joy knows no bounds here.
Here you can familiarize yourself with the calendar of the best Cypriot festivals in 2024, each of which will help you discover the heart and soul of Cyprus.
November 2024
October 2024
Apple Festival, Kyperounda
Every October, the picturesque village of Kyperounda, the largest and one of the highest mountain villages in Cyprus, hosts its annual "Apple Festival." This year, the celebration will take place on the second weekend, October 12th and 13th. The festival highlights the region’s rich apple-growing tradition, featuring an exhibition of locally grown apple varieties and a photo display dedicated to apples. Visitors can also explore an exhibition of both traditional and modern apple cultivation tools, as well as a folk market offering apples and pears, a renowned Kyperounda variety. On-site, fresh apple juice will be prepared, along with presentations of dishes where apples are the star ingredient. The festival also includes seminars, lectures, and exciting competitions, making it a must-visit for fruit lovers and curious travelers alike.
Madari Mana Gi - "And Wine Brightens the Heart of Man...", Polystypos
Each year, the village of Polystypos celebrates the harvest season with the "Madari Mana Gi" festival, focusing on the grape harvest and its cultural significance. This year, visitors can enjoy a photo exhibition themed around the harvest, along with an exhibition of harvest-related artifacts. The festival will also showcase products derived from grapes, including demonstrations on how to make traditional Cypriot sweets like palouze and siousiukko. Additionally, the process of distilling zivania will be demonstrated. This event offers an authentic glimpse into Cyprus’ winemaking traditions and promises a memorable experience for all attendees.
Festival of Traditional Culture, Mountainous-Semi-mountainous Larnaca
On October 1st, the Women's Association of Larnaca Province will once again organize its annual Festival of Traditional Culture, held on Cyprus Independence Day. Every year, the festival takes place in a different village in the mountainous and semi-mountainous areas of Larnaca, and this year, the association is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Visitors can expect a vibrant celebration of Cypriot heritage, with cultural performances, local crafts, and traditional foods. This festival is a great opportunity to experience the heart and soul of rural Cyprus.
Fikardou - Traveling the Paths of Tradition
The Festival of Tradition in Fikardou, located in the Nicosia district, has become a beloved institution after its immense success in the past five years. Returning again this year on October 6th, the festival will transport visitors back 100 years through a series of activities that showcase the village’s rich cultural heritage. The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Cypriot customs, crafts, and way of life, making it a must-see event for anyone interested in the island’s history.
Palaihori Street Food Festival
On October 5, 2024, the streets of Palaihori will come alive once again for the annual Palaihori Street Food Festival, held in the park below the main square. This year’s festival will feature stalls selling local products, live cooking demonstrations, and hot food with a focus on Cypriot flavors. Visitors will enjoy performances on musical stages, traditional dancing, and a chance to explore local handicrafts. The festival aims to showcase the beauty and charm of the village while giving attendees the opportunity to taste the best products of the region’s fertile land.
September 2024
Orange Festival, Miliou
Once again, the charming village of Miliou in the mountainous Paphos district will host a vibrant and flavorful celebration on September 14th—the Miliou Orange Festival. This event offers a deep dive into all things orange, showcasing the significance of this Cypriot fruit. The festival will feature a variety of orange-based products, such as fresh juice, orange liqueur, orange-flavored beer, jams, and traditional spoon sweets. Visitors will also enjoy wood-fired kleftiko, local drinks, thyme, flower and oak honey, and a wide selection of traditional foods. With a lively artistic program and stands filled with orange-related goods, this festival is a must for fruit lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Statou - Agios Fotios Rural Festival
Nestled in a lush green landscape at an elevation of 1,000 meters, the village of Statos - Agios Fotios is the perfect backdrop for the annual Agricultural Festival, which will take place on September 15th. Visitors can witness the traditional preparation of local products such as trachanas, soutzoukos, anari, halloumi, tsamarella, zivania, and village bread, among others. The community will also showcase a range of fruits and handmade delicacies. Although the full program is yet to be released, previous years have included live demonstrations, artisan markets, traditional music, and exhibitions of agricultural tools and vine planting. It promises to be an event rich in Cypriot heritage and culture.
Carob Festival, Peyia
The annual Carob Festival in Peyia aims to keep the traditions of Cyprus alive by passing them on to younger generations while also sharing them with tourists. This event, which celebrates the carob’s historical and cultural significance in Cyprus, will feature the preparation of traditional handmade carob products, including carob sweets and anari with carob honey. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of Cypriot dishes and drinks. This festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich flavors and traditions associated with this humble, yet versatile fruit.
Honey Pitta Dance, Potami
Organized by the Youth Center of Potami and the Community Council, the Annual Festival of "Honey Pies" promises an unforgettable experience. Held in early September, this festival revolves around the sweet treat of traditional honey pies. The event includes live music, plenty of food and drink, and, of course, the star of the show—delicious honey pies made with local honey, camphor, and other ingredients. It’s a sweet way to celebrate the community’s culinary heritage!
Festival of Cypriot Traditional Foods, Tembria, Nicosia Province
The village of Tembria will host a mouthwatering Festival of Cypriot Traditional Foods this September. Visitors can savor a wide variety of local dishes, including sausages, village bread, macaroni, capers, burekkia, pittas, resi, and zivania. Not only will attendees get to taste these delicious offerings, but they’ll also witness how these traditional foods are prepared. This festival is a celebration of Cypriot gastronomy, offering a true feast for the senses.
Sausage Festival, Potamitissa, Limassol Province
Potamitissa, a small village surrounded by mountains and greenery, offers visitors a tranquil escape with a rich cultural experience. On September 29th, the village will host its annual Sausage Festival in the Church Square, honoring its famous cold meats. Though small, Potamitissa comes alive in the summer with events that showcase the hospitality of its residents, who offer traditional zivania, local cold meats, papalouze, siusiukko, and a variety of fruits. The festival is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the local flavors and the warm spirit of this charming village.
Maroni Street Food Festival
On September 21, 2024, the village of Maroni will transform its cobbled streets and squares into a bustling hub for food lovers during the Maroni Street Food Festival. Held in the scenic streets of Agios Georgios and the two main squares—Tassos Mitsopoulos and Daskalou Argiridis—the event will feature booths selling local products, live cooking demonstrations, and a wide variety of hot dishes with distinct Cypriot flavors. Distinguished chefs will showcase their culinary skills, while musical and dance performances entertain the crowds. The festival highlights Maroni's picturesque charm and invites visitors to discover the delicious produce of this fertile region.
Olive Festival in Nicosia
Location: https://www.facebook.com/anatseri40/
The olive tree is a symbol and an integral part of Mediterranean culture. While exploring the sunny island, it’s impossible to miss the low, sprawling trees with knotted trunks and silver-green leaves. These are the legendary olive trees, celebrated by poets, gifting people with their magical and precious fruits.
On Friday, September 13th, the 53rd Olive Festival will take place in Tseri, a village in the Nicosia district. The event will be held at the central square, near the historic Church of Saints Andronikos and Athanasios, with a start time of 8:00 PM.
This festival, first organized in 1969, is the oldest cultural event in Tseri. Initiated by the Tseri Renaissance organization, its main goal is to introduce visitors to the local traditions and olive-based products that have been cultivated in the area for centuries. Attendees can expect an enjoyable evening filled with traditional music and food.
Entrance to the event is free, but guests are encouraged to reserve a table to ensure a seat and enjoy the food and drinks offered by local establishments. For more information and reservations, visitors can call 99 888887.
Date: September 13th
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Tseri, Nicosia
Entry: Free
Mandarin Festival
As part of the Mandarin Festival, guests will be able to taste traditional sweets and pastries made with mandarins. Other products made from this citrus fruit will also be presented: jams, ice cream, and beverages such as liqueurs and syrups. The festival program also includes tours of the mandarin orchard, presentations of hand embroidery products, and the making of traditional musical instruments. At the fair, everyone can purchase handicrafts.
In addition, visitors can participate in workshops on painting mandarins, baking mandarin bread, and distilling mandarin spirits.
Location: main square of the village of Dierona
Date: March 23-24
Tulip Festival
Wild tulips grow in abundance near the village of Polemi in the Paphos district of Cyprus. It is noteworthy that these tulips are uncultivated and grow directly in vineyards, creating a bright glow and transforming the area into a magical kingdom. In addition to incredible photos in the tulip fields, at the festival, guests can also taste wine from a local winery, enjoy traditional Cypriot music and dances, sample sweet lokmades, and immerse themselves in an atmosphere of joy and merriment.
Location: village of Polemi
Date: April 7
Fairy Tale Festival
The annual Fairy Tale Festival invites fairies, princes, princesses, knights, lovers, pirates, and superheroes to spend a day filled with adventures and fantasies in the beautiful botanical park. In the Botanical Garden, Labyrinth, and Enchanted Forest, activities such as labyrinth adventures, live-action role-playing games, medieval battles and sword fights, archery and spear throwing, arena games, storytelling, face painting, and much more are offered.
Location: CyHerbia Botanical Park and Labyrinth, Agros
Date: April 13-14
Fish Festival
The Fish Festival in the village of Latsi (Paphos) is eagerly awaited by both locals and tourists. During the Fish Festival, local fishermen willingly share some secrets of their craft, which will undoubtedly be useful for amateur fishermen. In addition, festival visitors can learn about Cyprus marine life from representatives of the Department of Fisheries.
The Fish Festival is also a fantastic culinary experience as it brings together the best chefs in Cyprus who showcase their fish recipes and provide valuable advice on preparing and serving seafood! On the festival grounds, you will also find children's entertainment, flyboard shows, live music concerts.
Location: Latsi Harbor
Date: April 20
Artichoke Festival
The town of Kiti, located in the Larnaca district, proudly hosts the fifth Artichoke Festival in honor of this vital vegetable grown in the region. The festival promises to be a grand celebration with food, drinks, and entertainment in Kiti Square.
Location: Kiti town
Date: April 21
Flower Festival
A unique and highly interesting Sunday that will include demonstrations of sweet and floral preserves, traditional music and songs, as well as Cypriot dances. Additionally, games, painting, and crafts for our young friends, along with a photo exhibition, are some of the elements that will make up the festive scene. Food, sweets, and drinks will be sold at the event venue. Throughout the festival, apple delicacies and products will be sold, which are local delicacies associated with village traditions.
Location: Eleftheria Square, Episkopi Limassol
Date: April 21
Street Life Festival or Graffiti Festival
A modern festival held on the streets of Limassol since 2009, stands out for its uniqueness and colors. Literally, on a certain day, artists come out onto the streets and transform dull building walls and sidewalks into canvases for their creations. That's why many simply call the festival the graffiti festival.
However, the scope is broader: breakdancers, singers and DJs, street artists, and even parkour athletes participate in the event. In other words, the Street Life Festival fully justifies its name.
Immerse yourself in the art market and workshops, where over 50 local creators will impress you with handmade delicacies, exquisite jewelry, crafts, and games. The event takes place in the streets of the Old Town not only for entertainment purposes - it plays a significant role in changing the appearance of Limassol. Traditional culture intertwines with modernity, which is very popular in today's Cyprus.
Location: Limassol
Date: April 27
Anthestiria, or Flower Festival
This is a tribute to Cyprus' extraordinary natural wealth. Mass events take place in all cities: flower carnivals, flower festivals, as well as markets, concerts, and exhibitions dedicated to flowers. Anthestiria is a grand flower festival with elements of a carnival. The scale is best felt in Paphos, although the festival is also held in Limassol and Larnaca. Not only Cypriot flowers are used for the event, but they are also imported from abroad - one can imagine how wonderful it all looks!
Interestingly, floriculture and, consequently, floristry are not very common in Cyprus, and giving someone a flower (let alone a bouquet) is a truly grand gesture. But it is customary to give flowers to each other at Anthestiria. In the cities where the festival takes place, there are street markets and events with music and dances. Such pastime will be enjoyed not only by adults but also by children - so everyone is recommended to attend.
Location: Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca
Date: May 6
Donkey Festival
May is known as the month when donkeys are born, and therefore the "Golden Donkey Farm" organizes a festival on Sunday, May 12, in Skarinou, which differs from other festivals.
During the celebration, you will get acquainted with the adorable animal, which was once an integral part of Cypriot life but is now in decline. Additionally, you can try riding donkeys - it's a fun and unique experience, and those expecting it to be similar to horseback riding will be pleasantly surprised.
Over a century ago, Cyprus was a country where donkeys could be found almost everywhere - as domestic and wild animals. Today, Cypriot donkeys mainly live in reserves.
Fortunately for tourists, some donkey reserves are open to tourists all year round. They offer various attractions with these cute animals. You can volunteer to take care of them, adopt one of them - of course, it will remain on the farm, but you will know that one specific donkey is living a happy life thanks to you. Additionally, you can try riding donkeys - it's a fun and unique experience, and those expecting it to be similar to horseback riding will be pleasantly surprised. Donkey safaris are usually offered in warm seasons, namely from April to October.
For lovers of healthy food, donkey milk can be purchased, as well as cosmetics. Locals say that these products have a rejuvenating and cleansing effect.
Location: Skarinou village
Date: May 12
Rose Festival
The Rose Festival in the village of Agros in Cyprus is a vibrant and colorful celebration that takes place annually in May. This festival is a tribute to the beautiful roses that abundantly grow in this region, and it's a time when local residents and visitors come together to enjoy the natural beauty of this area.
The festival begins with a parade through the village streets, featuring boats adorned with stunning fully bloomed roses. The air is filled with the sweet scent of flowers, and the streets are filled with spectators eager to see the colorful procession.
The most popular activities at this fragrant Cypriot festival include picking fresh roses, making rose water and liqueurs, learning about the process of extracting essential oils, preparing rose delicacies, and other local crafts.
During this event, the entire region around Agros is filled with the colors and aromas of countless roses.
Location: Agros village
Date: May 11-12 and May 18-19
Snail Festival
The first festival will take place on May 12, 2024. A large culinary celebration will be held on the main square of Tersefanou. Chefs from taverns and restaurants will participate, presenting dishes with snails created from their own recipes. Organizers will hold a contest for the tastiest traditional dish, which must include snails. Entertainment and music await both children and adults.
All types of snails are eaten in Cyprus. Snails are considered a delicacy, which is why they are so expensive. The tastiest and most expensive ones are the large snails. There are many of them on the Karpasia Peninsula, in the Kokkinochoria area, as well as on the southern coast from Larnaca to Limassol. And, of course, there are many of them in Tersefanou.
Location: Tersefanou village, central square
Date: May 12
Vegan Street Food Festival
The VEGAN FAM FLAVOURS vegan street food festival returns to Psematismenos on May 25th and 26th.
This is a festival for vegans and anyone interested in a healthy lifestyle, with environmentally friendly practices and minimal plastic use. Delicious food, sweets, drinks, creative activities for children, and live music await you.
Location: Psematismenos village
Date: May 25-26
Street Food Festival
The Street Food Festival takes pride in its reputation, content, and carefully selected participants who represent authentic cuisines from around the world, where you can truly enjoy delicious street food.
The festival will also feature quality music and new exciting attractions. It is aimed at attracting even more families with young children, as the Square offers plenty of space for games, entertainment, and joy.
Location: Limassol Municipal Garden
Date: May 24-26, from 11:00 to 17:00
Strawberry Festival
When the flowers fade away, the berries come in, and the village of Derinya, which holds the first place in Cyprus for strawberry production, hosts the Strawberry Festival. Here, more than half of Cyprus' entire strawberry production is grown.
The village of Derinya is located in Famagusta and is divided by a buffer zone. Therefore, visiting it will be interesting not only from the perspective of tasting strawberries but also for all history enthusiasts, as Cyprus has a complex history.
In addition to fresh strawberries, you can taste strawberry ice cream, jam, juice, and even liqueur. Guests will enjoy an interesting music and dance program, as well as a children's entertainment area.
Location: Derinya village
Date: June 2
Cherry Festival
Every June, when cherries ripen, the villages of Campos, Pedoulas, Platanistasa, and Treis Elies in the Troodos Mountains celebrate their unique cherry festivals.
Pedoulas, a beautiful village in the Marathasa Valley, invites you to visit its cherry festival. The program will include music, songs, dances, treats, drinks, traditional products, and, of course, a large quantity of cherries.
Many spas in Cyprus even incorporate seasonal ingredients and products into their spa treatments.
Location: Pedoulas village
Date: June 15-16
Lavender Festival
Looking to escape the scorching heat and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of celebration and merriment? Then, don't even think twice! You definitely need to attend the Mountain Lavender Festival!
Platres is a very picturesque place! The village has come a long way from a small settlement to a prestigious mountain resort.
At the event, you can expect Cypriot national dances and songs, entertainment for children. You can attend seminars to learn about the healing properties of lavender, participate in workshops on making lavender essential oil, and learn how to create lavender bouquets.
Moreover, you'll find a variety of culinary delicacies made from lavender: pastries, sorbet, lemonade, sweets, and much more!
There will be a market at the festival where you can purchase organic cosmetics based on lavender extracts: oils, creams, soaps, lavender sachets. And, of course, be sure to take a stroll through the lavender fields of Platres and capture incredible photos!
Location: Platres village
Date: July 7
Watermelon Festival
This is a traditional celebration with music, dances, a fair, and tasting of watermelon sweets. The atmosphere of the festival is always light, relaxed, and, of course, delicious - as there will be a huge quantity of watermelons!
Visitors will get to know the national watermelon jam - glyko koutali, taste watermelon ice cream, and refresh themselves with watermelon juice.
You can snack on the famous halloumi cheese - its delicate creamy taste goes well with the sweet freshness of watermelon. Local cheese makers will provide these treats abundantly at the festival and also share their cooking methods with everyone.
Children at the festival won't get bored either - there will be a playground, contests, and mini-events. Plus, an invited artist will paint faces for all interested kids. It will be fun!
Location: Frenaros village
Date: July 12
Peach Festival
The annual festival takes place in August in the picturesque village of Kato Milos in the Pitsilia region.
Local farmers will present their juicy and fragrant produce. You'll not only be able to buy peaches but also taste them directly at the festival for free. Guests will enjoy a variety of peach preserves - jams, compotes, pies, various desserts, and much more.
Visitors will be offered snacks and drinks in unlimited quantities. A musical program with folk songs and dances is planned for the festival. There will also be a photo exhibition of peach trees.
The village of Kato Milos was chosen for the festival for a reason. It is home to the largest peach plantations on the island, which ripen in August.
You'll definitely have a great time at this juicy festival.
Location: Kato Milos village
Date: August
Orange Festival
Miliou, one of the smallest villages in Cyprus, organizes the Orange Festival.
The villagers will cool drinks and bake traditional Cypriot sweets. Those interested can buy orange honey, collected by bees during the blossoming of orange trees on the picturesque hills of Miliou, candied orange peels, orange marmalades, and candles with citrus aroma and dried orange pieces.
On the main village square near the Ayia Paraskevi church, festival guests will be treated to orange juices, marmalades, jellies, and pastilles made from oranges. Liqueurs and even citrus-colored beer will also be available.
Location: Miliou village, Ayia Paraskevi Square
Date: September 14
Pomegranate Festival
The Pomegranate Festival is an annual event dedicated to the ruby-red fruits. It takes place in late September in Ormidia, near Larnaca.
First and foremost, traditional Cypriot products based on pomegranate will be presented at the event. So, at the festival, you can not only indulge in fresh and sweet pomegranates but also taste pomegranate medallions, palouze, jams, and even pomegranate liqueurs.
The festive program includes modern and traditional Cypriot dances, as well as entertainment for adults and children.
The evening will conclude with a festive fireworks display.
Location: Ormidia Public Park
Date: September 21
Traditions Festival
The Traditions Festival (Cypriot Tradition), which has been successful for several years now, will once again take place in Fikardou village.
Visitors will be transported back in time by 100 years - against the backdrop of the village's cobbled streets, stone houses piled on top of each other, and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.
The event will include traditional dances and dishes, as well as endless walks along the village's cobblestone streets to the sounds of violins, which will accompany festival-goers on this enchanting journey.
Immerse yourself in the world of Cypriot traditions and learn more about the history and roots of Cyprus!
Location: Fikardou village
Date: October 6
Apple Festival
Two-thirds of all apples in Cyprus are grown in Kyperounda. The altitude and cool climate make the fruits crisp and very tasty. That's why the village pays tribute to its main produce every October at the annual Apple Festival.
This is one of the brightest festivals in Cyprus, where you can see, eat, and enjoy the aroma of apples. Seasonal apples, traditional products, freshly squeezed apple juice, apple pies, apple vinegar, and many other treats will be presented at the open-air market.
There will also be an art exhibition on the apple theme, a display of all apple varieties grown in Cyprus, as well as apple by-products.
Experienced locals will prepare the famous version of apple juice "palouze" and also conduct apple distillation in real-time.
The program includes folklore dances from Cyprus and Greece, traditional music performed by professional artists, and a contest for tasting apple recipes.
Festival guests are recommended to take a walk around the village and visit local museums and churches, which will be open during the two days of the festival. The village boasts unique basilicas and chapels, the Cyprus Natural History Museum, and the Museum of Cypriot Nature.
Location: Kyperounda village
Date: October 12-13
Zivania Festival
Zivania is a traditional Cypriot grape vodka, produced on the island since the 15th century. The alcohol content of the drink varies from 45 to 49 degrees, and in the homemade version, it can reach up to 55-70%. Cypriots call this drink "firewater," and the secrets of its preparation are passed down from generation to generation.
If you enjoy strong spirits, then you should definitely visit one of the mountain villages of Cyprus: Alona or Pelendri, where a festival full of joy, dances, songs, and, of course, plenty of zivania will take place...
During the festival, local artisans will traditionally produce Zivania and wine, as well as treats made from grape juice: paluze and suzuko. All visitors will have the opportunity to taste the drink and hot paluze for free.
Like any Cypriot festival, traditional dances, songs, and lively music will be an integral part of the celebration. The festival promises to be vibrant, as always!