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.
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!