Cyprus celebrates carnival season with major parades in Limassol, Aglantzia, and Larnaca

On Sunday, February 15, 2026, carnival celebrations took place across Cyprus, with major parades held in Limassol, Aglantzia, and Larnaca. In Aglantzia, over 8,000 participants joined the parade starting at 11:30 a.m., led by Carnival King Michalis Sophocleous on Nicosia's first tram and children from the Special School of Nicosia. Local authorities implemented extensive road closures on Kyrenia Avenue from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to accommodate the event. Limassol hosted its children’s parade at 11:30 a.m. along the seafront road, featuring the Batukinio percussion group and the Queen of Passion and Madness, Amaryllis Kyriakou. Additional festivities in Limassol included a serenaders' performance at 4:30 p.m. honoring the Giorgalletos family and a disco party at the Lanitis Carob Mill in the evening. Larnaca's parade commenced earlier at 11:00 a.m., while Mayors Yiannis Armeutis of Limassol and Charalambos Prountzos of Nicosia highlighted the events' cultural importance. The celebrations follow the official start of the season on Tsiknopempti, which featured coronation ceremonies and traditional food events.