The weekend leading up to Monday 9th June will see the annual Kataklysmos Festival here in Cyprus, with coastal towns holding festivities over the course of the weekend to celebrate.
Kataklysmos, meaning deluge or cataclysm in Greek, is a religious festival held 50 days after the Greek Orthodox Easter. Traditionally a celebration of Noah and the flood the festival actually has its roots in both the Bible and Greek mythology.
Kataklysmos festivals are held across Cyprus in Agia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Polis and Paralimni. Each town will have their own specific festivities which may include games, folk dancing, boat races, swimming competitions, concerts and, of course, lots of water being thrown.
Event Highlights by City
Larnaca – Foinikoudes Promenade
Saturday, June 7
- 10:00 AM – Festival market opens (local foods, crafts, games)
- 4:00 PM – Traditional dance show: youth groups & village ensembles
- 6:30 PM – Tsiattista (poetic duels) performance
- 8:00 PM – Concert: Local Cypriot musicians
- 9:30 PM – Fireworks over the bay
Sunday, June 8
- 10:00 AM – Boat races, jet-ski stunts
- 1:00 PM – Food showcase: traditional snacks tasting
- 3:00 PM – Children’s puppet theater (Karagiozis)
- 6:00 PM – International folk group performances
- 8:30 PM – Headline concert (folk-pop band)
- 9:30 PM – Fireworks
Monday, June 9
- 7:30 AM – Blessing of the Waters (main ceremony on the seafront)
- 9:00 AM – Cross-throwing into the sea (swimmers retrieve it)
- 11:00 AM – Swimming contests & water games
- 1:00 PM – Cultural fair & live tsambouna (bagpipe) music
- 5:00 PM – Youth choir concert & poetry readings
- 7:00 PM – Festival finale with orchestra and modern dance group
Limassol – Molos Promenade
Saturday, June 7
- 10:00 AM – Opening of food & crafts fair
- 3:00 PM – Splash contests for children
- 6:00 PM – Traditional shadow theater
- 8:00 PM – Live music: Bouzouki night
Sunday, June 8
- 10:00 AM – Blessing of water vessels and fishing boats
- 12:00 PM – Jet-ski and paddleboard show
- 4:00 PM – Dance performances by Limassol Cultural Association
- 7:30 PM – Choirs from mountain villages
- 9:00 PM – Acoustic seaside concert
Monday, June 9
- 7:00 AM – Religious service by the sea
- 9:00 AM – Water blessing and cross ceremony
- 11:30 AM – Beach games for all ages
- 2:00 PM – Folk costume parade
- 5:30 PM – Music & poetry fusion concert
- 8:00 PM – Sunset dance performance on the pier
Paphos – Kato Paphos Harbour & Castle Square
Friday, June 6 (Pre-Festival Kickoff)
- 7:00 PM – Community opening show with village dance groups
- 8:30 PM – Traditional lyra and flute performance
Saturday, June 7
- 10:00 AM – Seaside market & crafts fair
- 2:00 PM – Puppet shows and youth activities
- 5:00 PM – Regional music showcase: Pontic & Cypriot duets
- 8:00 PM – Pop-rock concert with local talent
Sunday, June 8
- 11:00 AM – Beachfront relay races & swimming contests
- 1:00 PM – Live shadow theater
- 4:00 PM – Guest folk dance troupe from mainland Greece
- 7:30 PM – Pre-finale performance: modern Cypriot ensemble
Monday, June 9
- 8:00 AM – Blessing of the waters at the port
- 10:00 AM – Sea rescue demonstration and rowing race
- 12:00 PM – Culinary showcase with free samples
- 5:00 PM – Youth wind orchestra concert
- 8:00 PM – Grand concert: Nikolas Mavresis & Ensemble
Ayia Napa – Harbour & Seaside Park
Saturday to Monday (Daily Events)
- 10:00 AM – Morning harbor rituals and water blessing
- 12:00 PM – Floating boat parade
- 3:00 PM – Splash games and treasure hunts for kids
- 5:00 PM – Cultural performances on the main stage
- 8:00 PM – Nightly concerts featuring local musicians
Paralimni / Protaras
Saturday to Monday (Daily Events)
- 9:00 AM – Morning festival market opens
- 11:00 AM – Kids’ water battle zone (supervised)
- 2:00 PM – Art exhibitions and handicrafts
- 4:00 PM – Village choir singing
- 6:30 PM – Traditional instrument showcase (laouto, violin)
- 8:00 PM – Sunset concert at the beach amphitheater
Common Features Across All Towns
- Ceremonial focus on water: Blessings, rituals, and symbolic sea-related acts
- Interactive fun: Splash zones, water relays, and carnival-style games
- Cultural pride: Folk poetry, dancing, traditional music, and artisan displays
- Community gatherings: Large family-focused events with food, laughter, and light-hearted rivalry
- Safe & festive atmosphere: Most events are family-friendly, with public safety and accessibility prioritized
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early for parking and shaded seating at popular venues like Larnaca’s promenade
- Bring towels and change of clothes if you plan to participate in water games
- Taste local treats—try pastelaki, loukoumia, or a Cypriot coffee with cardamom
- Plan your return trip—Monday evening can be busy on highways back to Nicosia and inland towns
- Ask locals for hidden gem performances—many towns host surprise folk acts in squares or alleys
Don’t forget, Monday 9th June is a Public Holiday (see a full list of Cyprus Public Holidays 2021 HERE).