Where to catch Cyprus spring festivals
Outdoor, floral, traditional and seasonal festivals arrive this weekend to bring joy and entertainment to spring’s blossoming calendar. There are several festivals in the weeks to follow, for families, locals and visitors. Here is where to spend your spring weekends.
On Saturday and Sunday, the 9th Citrus Blossom Festival will bring music, fun and games to Eleftheria Square at Episkopi village. Festivities take place from 3pm to 7.30pm on Saturday and from 10.30am to 5pm on Sunday.
A highlight of Saturday’s programme is a concert by the renowned traditional Cypriot singer Michalis Terlikkas and the musical ensemble Mousa. On Sunday, the local ensemble Ta Sgartilia will charm audiences with their traditional music. Apart from performances, the festival will have games, workshops and activities for all ages and, of course, lots of citrus-inspired treats.
Throughout April, Paralimni-Deryneia municipality, in collaboration with the Cultural Academy of Saint Epiphanios, presents the second Traditional Culture Festival Voices and Memories, an initiative dedicated to the history, traditions and customs of Paralimni. The festival will take place through a series of artistic events during April, tracing the town’s history and cultural heritage, aiming to preserve and highlight local customs and traditions.
There are several happenings to look forward to, including free live music, workshops, folklore storytelling and Human Library events this Saturday at the courtyard of the church of Saint George.
The agenda also includes a concert on Easter Sunday at 8pm, traditional Easter games on Easter Monday, photography exhibitions and handicraft events throughout the month. All of the events can be found on the Municipality’s website.
Post-Easter break, the 7th Artichoke Festival makes its comeback in Kiti with the vegetable taking the spotlight on April 26. Besides an entertainment programme at Archangel Michael Square from 4pm onwards, the festival will offer a unique opportunity to taste dishes with the artichoke as their star. Bites this year will include pizzas, sushi, meatballs, stuffed vine leaves, koupes, ttavas, pasta and artichoke deserts.
More festivals arrive in May, including the May Donkeys Festival at Golden Donkey Farm in Skarinou on May 1, the 3rd Snail Festival in Tersefanou on May 10, the 15th PanCyprian Strawberry Festival in Derynia on May 29, while on June 5-7, the Cyprus Accordion Festival extends to the city this year.
After that, get ready for an even more packed agenda as the summer festivals arrive in full swing!
9th Cirtus Blossom Festival
Traditional festival with music concerts, games and activities. April 4-5. Eleftheria Square, Episkopi village, Limassol district
Voices and Memories
Traditional culture festival on the history, customs and heritage of Paralimni. Throughout April. Details on www.pdm.org.cy
7th Artichoke Festival
Traditional festival featuring artichokes. Food, music and more. April 26. Archangel Michael Square, Kiti. 4pm