Limassol Carnival 2026 Unveiled as Amaryllis Kyriakou Crowned Carnival Queen

Full programme of events announced as the city prepares for its flagship celebration

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The full programme of Limassol Carnival 2026, the event’s principal sponsors and the new Carnival Queen were presented during an official press conference held on Wednesday 4 February at the Panos Solomonides Municipal Cultural Centre.

With a festive atmosphere, music and strong carnival colour, Limassol Carnival 2026 was officially launched in the presence of members of the Municipal Council, sponsors, media representatives and friends of the institution. The evening opened with the traditional serenade group Ariones, who welcomed guests with much-loved Limassol cantades.

During the presentation, organisers announced the detailed programme of events and introduced the new Queen of Limassol Carnival, Amaryllis Kyriakou. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Greek lyrics of the song Life is a Carnival by Marija Savina, written especially for Limassol Carnival. The launch concluded with a reception and live music, officially marking the start of the carnival season.

The new Carnival Queen

Amaryllis Kyriakou, the new Queen of Limassol Carnival, has a long-standing and deeply rooted connection with the institution. Her involvement began in 1985 as an attendant to the Carnival King alongside the late Loula Sussmith. Since then, she has remained an active and creative presence.

From 2005 onwards, she has taken part every year in the Grand Carnival Parade with her own groups, contributing originality and artistic passion to the city’s celebrations. Her selection as Queen recognises her long service and dedication to Limassol Carnival.

Programme of events

Tuesday, 10 February

7.00 pm, Panos Solomonides Municipal Cultural Centre

Honorary event for Loullis Katsounotos, Artemakis Zachariou, Akis Georgiou (Taitos) and Miltos Papadopoulos.

Held under the auspices of the Mayor of Limassol and organised by carnival participants and friends of the honourees.

Carnival Museum opening hours: 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm

Wednesday, 11 February

7.00 pm, Theomaria Art Gallery

Mask exhibition by Vera Efthymiou Parlalidou, hosted for the 19th consecutive year.

Address: Vasilissis Karlottas Street 7 and Elenis Palaiologinas.

Tsiknopempti, Thursday, 12 February

7.30 am

The celebrations begin early with the traditional First Foukou barbecue at Lemesos Media Group offices, Omonias Avenue 67.

10.00 am

Carnival festivities with music and treats outside Eurobank on Gladstonos Street and Bank of Cyprus on Agiou Andreou Street opposite Agia Napa church.

1.30 pm

The Limassol Serenaders sing at Saripolou Square.

5.30 pm, Grigoris Afxentiou Square

Live carnival music with the band Lopodytes as part of an Old School Project.

7.00 pm

The future Carnival Queen is ceremonially dressed at Limassol Town Hall. A procession led by the Mayor, Municipal Council, the Royal Carnival Family, the Limassol Municipal Philharmonic and majorettes proceeds to Grigoris Afxentiou Square.

7.30 pm

Coronation ceremony of the Queen of Passion and Madness of Limassol Carnival, followed by a carnival party titled Back to the 80s and 90s, live music and DJ programme.

Projection mapping on the Limassol District Administration building will transform the façade into a dynamic audiovisual spectacle.

Friday, 13 February

7.00 pm, Medieval Castle Square

Serenaders’ Night, with multiple cantador groups converging in the square.

Saturday, 14 February

10.00 am, Panos Solomonides Municipal Cultural Centre

Mask-making workshop and handmade hat construction for children.

Carnival Museum opening hours: 9.30 am to 1.00 pm

1.00 pm, Agia Fyla Square

Traditional carnival celebration presented by the Dionysos Cultural and Dance Association.

3.30 pm

Carnival cycling ride through the city. Start and finish at Medieval Castle Square.

6.00 pm

Serenade event outside the Municipal University Library on Agiou Andreou Street.

9.00 pm, Lanitis Carob Mill

Valentine’s Goes Carnival party with DJ Panicos Karpettas. Costume prizes for the best Valentine-themed outfits.

Tickets required via Ticketmaster.

Sunday, 15 February

11.30 am, Children’s Carnival Parade

Start: Seafront Road near the Public Garden traffic lights

Finish: Molos car park beneath Red café

4.30 pm

Serenade event outside Perama, dedicated to the founder of the Giorgalletou Serenaders.

8.30 pm, Lanitis Carob Mill

Disco party with the Time Surfers Party Band.

Tickets required via Ticketmaster.

Monday, 16 February

7.30 pm, Lanitis Carob Mill

Opening of cartoon and photography exhibitions in collaboration with Cypriot artists.

Exhibition open until 23 February.

8.00 pm

Carnival stage production Red Egg or Carnival, featuring over 40 performers.

Tickets required via Ticketmaster.

Tuesday, 17 February

7.30 pm

EDON Serenaders musical walk ending at Agios Nikolaos Olympus.

7.30 pm

Night Parade of the Pellomaska.

Start: Limassol Marina Square

Finish: Medieval Castle Square

8.00 pm

Dance of Tuesday at Medieval Castle Square with Cuban Guns and DJ programme.

Pellomaska and Smart Mask competitions with prizes.

Wednesday, 18 February

8.00 pm, Lanitis Carob Mill

Male Four-Part Choir of Limassol performing classic serenades.

Tickets required via Ticketmaster.

Thursday, 19 February

7.30 pm

Evening Carnival Walking Parade.

Start: Grigoris Afxentiou Square

Finish: Medieval Castle Square

8.00 pm

Dance of Thursday concert Carnival Reloaded, followed by DJ programme.

Costume competitions with prizes.

Friday, 20 February

7.00 pm, Pattichio Municipal Theatre

Children’s Choirs evening.

Admission €5. Proceeds to the Municipal Social Grocery.

9.00 pm, Lanitis Carob Mill

Concert In the Mad Carnival, combining classic and modern Greek light music.

Tickets required via Ticketmaster.

Saturday, 21 February

11.30 am, Pattichio Municipal Theatre

The Carnival of the World, an interactive musical storytelling performance for children.

Admission €5. Proceeds to the Municipal Social Grocery.

Throughout the day

Traditional music, dancing, vintage car parade and serenades across Limassol.

9.00 pm, Lanitis Carob Mill

Disco and international dance music performance.

Tickets required via Ticketmaster.

Sunday, 22 February

1.00 pm, Grand Carnival Parade

Route: Archbishop Makarios III Avenue

Start: Agios Nikolaos roundabout

Finish: Polemidia traffic lights

9.00 pm, Old Port Square

Open-air farewell carnival dance with DJs Mitsingkas and Alex M.

Costume competitions with prizes.

Ticketing & info

Events at the Lanitis Carob Mill are free of charge but require tickets, available online via Ticketmaster.cy, from the Pattichio Municipal Theatre box office or ACS Courier outlets. Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of two per person.

The programme is subject to change.

For further information: Cultural Services of the Municipality of Limassol

Telephone: +357 25 745919

On Tsiknopempti, Thursday 12 February 2026, visitors are advised to use private car parks in the city centre and municipal parking areas at the reclaimed land, Spyrou Araouzou and Ankara Street.

 

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