Every year as winter softens and the island starts to sense spring in the air, Cyprus bursts into one of its most joyful traditions: Carnival season, locally known as Apokries. It’s a festive period filled with colourful parades, imaginative costumes, music, dancing and community spirit — a time when towns and cities across the island come together to celebrate before the start of Lent.
The Carnival period officially kicks off with the opening of the Triodion on Sunday, 1 February 2026, setting the tone for weeks of festivities leading up to Clean Monday on 23 February — a public holiday marked by outdoor picnics, kite flying and traditional seasonal food.
Here are the key Carnival parade dates and festivities you shouldn’t miss in 2026:
Limassol Carnival Festival
12 to 22 February 2026
Limassol hosts the island’s biggest and most iconic Carnival celebration. The ten-day festival includes multiple parades, events and competitions across the city. The highlight is the Grand Carnival Parade on Sunday, 22 February 2026, featuring floats, music and huge crowds lining Makariou Avenue.
Paphos Carnival Parades
15 & 21 February 2026
In Paphos, Carnival celebrations are big and colourful too. The Peyia Carnival Parade (in the Akamas area) takes place on Sunday, 15 February, with costumes and floats filling the streets of the coastal village of Peyia. The main Paphos Carnival Parade then follows on Saturday, 21 February 2026 at 3:00 pm, when the city centre comes alive with music, dancing and creative outfits from locals and visitors alike.
Larnaca Carnival Parade
15 February 2026
By the sea in Larnaca, the annual Carnival Parade runs along Athinon Avenue at Finikoudes on Sunday, 15 February, bringing confetti, music and colourful energy to the waterfront.
Nicosia (Aglandjia) Carnival Parade
15 February 2026
The capital city’s big parade in Aglandjia also happens on Sunday, 15 February. Starting in the mid-morning, it draws schools, cultural groups and families who march down Kyrenia Avenue — costumes, floats and all — to celebrate Carnival spirit together.
Other Community Parades
5 & 22 February 2026
Across the island, towns and villages add their own flair to Carnival. Smaller but joyful parades in places like Arediou, Lympia and Polis Chrysochous also take place on 15 February, with additional local celebrations continuing toward 22 February.
Carnival in Cyprus is more than just a parade — it’s a cultural moment when communities celebrate together with tradition and creativity. Whether you’re dressing up and joining in or cheering from the sidelines, Carnival season 2026 promises colourful fun for everyone.