Cyprus kicks off carnival season with colourful parades across three cities

Cyprus is in full Carnival spirit today, with colourful parades and festivities taking place in Aglantzia, Limassol, and Larnaca. Aglantzia is set to host over 8,000 participants, while Limassol and Larnaca have closed major seafront roads to make way for the celebrations. The parades kick off at 11:00 a.m. in Larnaca, followed by Limassol and Aglantzia half an hour later, bringing vibrant costumes, music, and dancing to streets across the island.

In Aglantzia, children from the Special School of Nicosia dressed as superheroes will open the parade, followed by Carnival King Michalis Sophocleous arriving on Nicosia’s first tram. The parade route stretches from Kyrenia Avenue to Karava Street, with alternative routes in place for drivers. Limassol’s children’s parade features percussion groups, stilt walkers, and colourful floats, while 28th October Street and Spyros Araouzou Street will remain closed during the festivities.

Larnaca’s waterfront parade begins along Athens Avenue, with more than 20 organised groups filling the street with music, dancing, and bright costumes. The area around King Paul Square and sections of Archbishop Makarios III Avenue have been temporarily closed for float parking, ensuring a safe and festive environment for spectators. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a full day of Carnival fun, with music, dancing, and family-friendly celebrations taking over the streets of three cities.