The weekend leading up to Monday 1st 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.
Kataklysmos 2026: Events Across Cyprus This Weekend
Kataklysmos weekend is here, bringing live music, traditional dancing, water games, food stalls and family entertainment to coastal towns across Cyprus. Whether you’re looking for a major concert, a family day out or a traditional celebration by the sea, here’s what’s happening in Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Polis and Paralimni.
Larnaca Kataklysmos Festival
Location: Finikoudes Promenade, Larnaca
Dates: 30 May – 1 June 2026
Saturday, 30 May
From 7:00 PM
- Traditional Cypriot music performances
- Folk dance shows
- Tsiattista (Cypriot poetic duels)
- Traditional love-song competitions
- Food stalls and fairground attractions along the seafront
Sunday, 31 May
From 7:00 PM
- Live concerts
- Cultural performances
- Traditional music and dance
- Family entertainment
Monday, 1 June
Throughout the day and evening
- Water games and Kataklysmos traditions
- Children’s activities
- Live music performances
- Food and craft stalls
Larnaca remains the island’s largest and most traditional Kataklysmos celebration, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Ayia Napa Kataklysmos & Fish Festival
Location: Ayia Napa Harbour
Dates: 30 May – 1 June 2026
Saturday, 30 May
From 5:00 PM
- Opening celebrations
- Traditional dance performances
- Fish Festival activities
- Live concert by Marianna Papamakariou
Sunday, 31 May
From 5:00 PM
- Traditional music and dance
- Harbour festivities
- Live concert by Paola
Monday, 1 June
From 5:00 PM
- Family entertainment
- Cultural performances
- Seafood and local food stalls
- Traditional Kataklysmos celebrations
Combining the popular Fish Festival with Kataklysmos celebrations, Ayia Napa offers one of the most vibrant atmospheres of the long weekend.
Limassol Kataklysmos Festival
Location: Molos Seafront, Limassol
Dates: 30 May – 1 June 2026
Saturday, 30 May
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Rowathon Challenge
- Festival market
- Food and drink stalls
- Seafront activities
Evening
- Live music performances
Sunday, 31 May
Throughout the day
- Traditional dance performances
- Water-themed activities
- Cultural entertainment
- Family attractions
Monday, 1 June
Throughout the day
- Family activities
- Live music
- Seafront celebrations
Limassol offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere with plenty of activities for families and visitors.
Paphos Kataklysmos Festival
Location: Paphos Harbour
Dates: 30 May – 1 June 2026
Saturday, 30 May
Evening
- Live concert at the Medieval Castle area
Sunday, 31 May
Evening
- Concert featuring Rena Morfi
Monday, 1 June
Throughout the day
- Water games
- Traditional dance performances
- Family activities
- Cultural entertainment
Paphos combines traditional celebrations with a picturesque harbour setting, making it a great choice for families and visitors.
Polis Chrysochous Kataklysmos
Location: Polis Waterfront
Dates: 30 May – 1 June 2026
Daily Programme
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Traditional Cypriot music
- Local food stalls
- Family-friendly entertainment
- Cultural performances
- Community celebrations by the sea
Polis offers a quieter and more authentic Kataklysmos experience away from the larger crowds.
Paralimni & Protaras Kataklysmos Events
Location: Fig Tree Bay Event Area, Protaras
Dates: 30 May – 1 June 2026
Saturday, 30 May
8:00 PM
Traditional Concert featuring:
- Michalis Hadjimichael Ensemble
- Andri Karantoni
- Dimitris Mesimeris
- Dimitra Hadjimichael
- Frenaros Dance Workshop
Sunday, 31 May
From 7:00 PM
- Traditional music
- Folk dancing
- Family activities
Monday, 1 June
Throughout the day
- Water-themed celebrations
- Beachfront entertainment
- Traditional Kataklysmos activities
Paralimni and Protaras provide a perfect combination of beach atmosphere and traditional celebrations.
Quick Guide: Where Should You Go?
For the Biggest Festival
Larnaca
For Major Live Concerts
Ayia Napa
For Families
Paphos
For Traditional Cypriot Atmosphere
Polis Chrysochous
For Beachfront Celebrations
Protaras & Paralimni
For a Relaxed Seafront Experience
Limassol
Kataklysmos is one of Cyprus’ most beloved traditions, bringing communities together through music, culture, food and the sea. Wherever you choose to celebrate this weekend, expect a festive atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the start of summer.
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 1st June is a Public Holiday (see a full list of Cyprus Public Holidays 2021 HERE).