Limassol is set to celebrate the climax of its annual carnival this Sunday, with a grand parade and a dazzling farewell party, according to Skevi Antoniadou, the city’s cultural events coordinator.
Thousands of carnival-goers from across Cyprus are expected to flood the city for the parade along Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, which begins at 1:00 pm and features 115 participating groups.
“Leading the parade, as always, are the cantadora groups, a unique element of the Limassol Carnival,” said Antoniadou. “They are followed by the Batukinio drummers, majorettes, the municipal philharmonic, the Mayor and council, and of course the Queen of Passion and Madness with her entourage.”
Satirical floats
The city has invested in satirical floats highlighting political and everyday issues, including traffic problems. Antoniadou emphasised the significant economic impact, noting that from November, local artisans, costume designers, makeup artists, and vendors begin preparing for the event. Hotels in Limassol are reported to be fully booked during the carnival period.
“Limassol Carnival is for all of Cyprus,” she added, urging visitors to enjoy festivities responsibly, without foam or spray, and to focus on throwing confetti and streamers. The city’s cleaning services will work through to dawn on Clean Monday to ensure Limassol is spotless after the celebrations.
The carnival’s outdoor farewell party will take place at 9:00 pm in the Old Port Square, featuring a spectacular drone show with 700 drones creating vibrant images in the sky for approximately ten minutes. Top DJs will provide music, and costume contests will award the three best masks.
Road closures
For Sunday’s parade, traffic adjustments will be in place:
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From Enaeri traffic lights to Agios Nikolaos roundabout: closed from 8:00 am.
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From Agios Nikolaos roundabout to Makarios III Avenue/Apostolou Varnava junction: closed from 11:00 am until midnight.
Drivers are urged to follow police and municipal traffic guidance and use available parking spaces.
The carnival will conclude with the open-air farewell party at Old Port Square at 9:00 pm.