The Limassol Carnival will reach its peak on Sunday with a spectacular grand parade and a dazzling farewell party, during which all eyes will turn to the sky, the events coordinator and cultural officer of the Municipality of Limassol, Skevi Antoniadou, told CNA.
According to Antoniadou, thousands of carnival participants and visitors from across Cyprus are expected to flood the city to watch the grand carnival parade along Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, which will begin at 13:00 with the participation of 115 groups.
“As always, the serenading groups lead the parade — an integral part of the Limassol Carnival and a unique feature among carnivals worldwide — followed by the Batukinio percussion group, the majorettes, the municipal philharmonic band, the Mayor and municipal council, and of course the Queen of Passion and Madness with her entourage,” she added.
She noted that the Municipality of Limassol has once again invested in satirical floats that lampoon political issues as well as everyday matters such as traffic congestion. She also pointed to the significant “economic injection” brought by the carnival period.
“From November, when participations are announced, many people begin working — those who sell fabrics, those who design and sew costumes, those who make hats, provide make-up and hair styling, the artists taking part in the events and the street vendors,” she said, adding that hotels in Limassol are full during this period.
700 drones to light up the sky
She underlined that the Limassol Carnival is a carnival for all of Cyprus and invited everyone to come to Limassol and enjoy Sunday’s celebrations without using foam sprays, reminding the public that their use is prohibited. “We want people to throw confetti and streamers,” she said.
At the same time, she highlighted the major contribution of the Municipality’s cleaning services after the parade, noting that crews work intensively “until the early hours of Clean Monday, delivering a spotless Limassol.”
Referring to the open-air farewell dance on Sunday evening at 21:00 at the Old Port square, the cultural officer said that this year the public will turn their gaze to the sky as 700 drones create beautiful images, offering a truly spectacular show.
During the party, leading DJs will entertain the crowd, while competitions for the “craziest mask” and the “smartest mask” will be held, with prizes awarded to the three best costumes.
Saturday’s programme
Saturday’s events began in the morning at the Patticheio Municipal Theatre (11:30) with an interactive musical storytelling performance featuring carnival music and rhythms from various countries and cultures.
The festivities continued on Agiou Andreou Street (12:00) with the choir of Maria Diamantidou and “Echo of Mandolins” conducted by Georgia Kombou. At 13:00, celebrations moved to the Marios Tokas Square, outside the former Mesa Geitonia Town Hall, with carnival songs and dances from Cyprus, Lesvos, Asia Minor and the Aegean islands.
At 15:00, the Limassol Classic Vehicle Club will hold a carnival drive through the city, starting from the Limassol Marina car park.
At 18:30, events move to Grigoris Afxentiou Square (District Administration), featuring the “Musical Wanderings” choir with the vocal ensemble of Georgia Protopapa and the serenading group “Kitharodós”.
At 19:00, at the same venue, performances will be given by the EDON Limassol Serenaders, the “Modern Times” choir, the Ariones Serenaders, the Limassol Serenaders group, the Cypriot Serenaders group and the male vocal ensemble “Ilandron”.
Saturday’s programme concludes at 21:00 at the Lanitis Carob Mill with a musical performance through time, featuring disco and international dance hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Performing are Anna Vilanidi, Anna Khoma and Sotiris Konstantanti, accompanied by Christos Christou (keyboards), Rodhos Panayiotou (drums), Solonas Panayiotou (percussion), Rotroco Canserra (bass), Alexis Kasinos (guitar) and Marinos Neophytou (saxophone). Free tickets must be secured through the ticketmaster.cy website.