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What’s Onaround Cyprus

EVENTS | AROUND CYPRUS

LCyprus has the laid-back charm of island life,

complete with almost 365 days of sunshine and beautiful sandy beaches. What some

may not know, however, is that Cyprus also boasts a rich program of annual cultural and sporting events that take place all across the island. These are some of the highlights that

visitors absolutely mustn’t miss!

LIMASSOL CARNIVALNamed ‘the coolest Carnival outside of Rio’ by none other than the CNN, the Limassol Carnival is certainly a sight to behold. It begins 10 days before Lent, on what is traditionally known as ‘Tsiknopempti,’ or ‘Stinky Thursday.’ It is the day that ‘King Carnival’ makes his entrance parade into Limassol, accompanied by the famous ‘Kantadoroi’ or serenaders singing traditional Carnival tunes. Musicians and dancers fill Limassol’s streets and squares, and parties for crazily-attired individuals are hosted across town all week. The Limassol Carnival culminates in the big Sunday Parade, a day before the start of Lent. Traditionally, the parades have an element of satire, with Carnival floats and costumed marchers in the thousands making a colorful commentary on current affairs. The day-long event takes place all along Makarios Avenue in Limassol, with revelers dancing away into the wee hours of the morning. So grab a mask and a handful of confetti and join the fun!

CYPRUS RALLYThe Cyprus Rally is one of the longest-running events in Cyprus. First held in 1970 on a rough, uneven turf, it has since evolved into one-of-a-kind event that attracts rally enthusiasts from across the world. Now called the CNP ASFALISTIKI Cyprus Rally, it promises supreme action through its ensemble of impressive stages and world-class crews that gear up each year for this spectacular event. Sixteen fast and demanding

special stages, tallying up a total of 665km test a plethora of crews from Cyprus, Europe and Middle East. The rally is hosted in different parts of Cyprus each year, between the months of September and November, with a fun kick-off and extra special Ceremonial Finish that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you are a speed demon, a motorsport fan, or simply want to enjoy some of the lesser-known areas of the island, this festival of speed is one not to be missed!

Cyprus boasts a rich program of annual cultural and sporting events that take

place all across the island.

Cyprus Rally

Limassol Carnival

Story by Rachel Chrysostom

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LIMASSOL WINE FESTIVALThe history of wine-making in Cyprus dates back to at least 2000 BC, and many great wines are said to have originated from Cypriot grapes. It is only fitting therefore, that one week during the year is dedicated to celebrating what was once known as the nectar of the Gods. Hosted annually at the end of August, the 11-day Wine Festival is held at the Limassol Municipal Gardens and attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year. The motto of the festival is ‘Drink wine, it gives you life!’. This is emblazoned on a large statue of a Cypriot village winegrower dressed in traditional garb,

PAPHOS APHRODITE FESTIVALThe Paphos Aphrodite Festival was established in 1999, with the aim of organizing and hosting international opera performances for local audiences and visitors. Held in early September, the event takes place beneath the stars at the Paphos Medieval Castle in the Kato Paphos harbor, on an open-air opera stage. This creates the perfect atmosphere for opera lovers to enjoy such great performances as Bizet’s Carmen, Verdi’s La Traviata, Puccini’s Turandot, and many more, performed by internationally acclaimed opera houses. For visitors wishing to immerse themselves completely in the opera, the Paphos

standing proudly at the entrance of the Municipal Gardens as the emblem of the Wine Festival. The four major wineries in Cyprus (KEO, LOEL, ETKO and SODAP) as well as a number of small independent producers are all present at the Wine Festival, offering visitors a taste of their wares in unlimited amounts for just the price of a small souvenir glass. Visitors can enjoy traditional foods such as kebabs, smoked herring, ‘loukoumades’ and other delicacies, revel in local Cypriot songs and dance, and for an added treat, take a turn in the grape stomping barrel for a taste of old-school wine making practices.

Aphrodite Festival organizers provide simultaneous surtitles of the librettos in both Greek and English during the performances. The Paphos Aphrodite Festival is the perfect way to enjoy the cooler September days and sea breeze by the Paphos Medieval Castle.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ANCIENT GREEK DRAMASince 1997, the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama has been hosting theatre companies from across the world to present ancient Greek dramas in their own languages. A distinctive cultural event with an international flair, the Festival performances bear an intense flavour from each performer’s

home country, creating a mosaic of cultures that opens up a dialogue between contemporary stages and international audiences. The performances are presented in open-air amphitheaters across Cyprus, namely the Ancient Odeon in Paphos, the Curium Ancient Theater in Limassol and the Skali Amphitheater in Nicosia, throughout the month of July every year. The Festival has recently expanded its local audiences by presenting performances with English and Greek surtitles. An event not to be missed, the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama has also been honoured with the EFFE Label 2015-2016, as one of Europe’s finest festivals.

LIMASSOL CARNIVALMusicians and dancers fill Limassol’s streets and squares, and parties for crazily-attired individuals are hosted across town all week

Limassol Wine Festival© Stavros Koniotis – Cyprus News Agency

International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama

Paphos Aphrodite Festival

© Photo LARKO, Pafos / Constantinos Larkos © Photo LARKO, Pafos / Constantinos Larkos

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CHRISTMAS MARKETEvery December, the Aphrodite Hills Resort celebrates the festive season with the Aphrodite Christmas Wonderland. This is a Christmas celebration that excites and entices both children and adults, and provides lasting memories for all. Visitors can browse stalls selling arts and crafts products, sweets, Christmas decorations, handmade jewellery and much more!

MAY DAYThe Aphrodite Hills Resort joins in the May Day celebrations every year with an action-packed program for the whole family to enjoy! Parents can visit an array of

ROCK FESTIVALThe Aphrodite Hills Resort goes wild with the sounds of rock every summer thanks to its selection of uplifting ‘rock music evenings’. Favourite bands perform live in the Beer Garden rocking everybody’s socks off.

stalls selling a diverse range of handmade goods, local products, and unique jewellery, while children can have a ball with pony rides, bouncy castle, face painting, water-walkers and stilt-walkers. There is also a full entertainment program consisting of a Cypriot dance show, traditional games, and a mini soccer and tennis tournament.

KATAKLYSMOS (WHIT MONDAY)Each year, at the beginning of summer, Aphrodite Hills Resort celebrates the Festival of the Flood, or, as it is known in Cyprus, ‘Kataklysmos.’ The beautiful and quaint Village Square, located at the heart of the Resort, plays host to the celebrations and boasts an exciting variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy!

The Aphrodite Hills Resort is no stranger to fun celebrations! Here are some of the most popular events hosted at the Resort for visitors both young and young at heart.

Celebrate at Aphrodite Hills!

WHIT MONDAYEach year, at the beginning of summer, the Aphrodite Hills Resort celebrates the Festival of the Flood

EVENTS | APHRODITE HILLS RESORT

Christmas Market

Rock Festival

May Day