Limassol Carnival 2026 starts with coronation of the Queen

The Limassol Carnival 2026 officially commenced on February 12 with the coronation of Amarillis Kyriakou as the Queen of Passion and Madness. The festivities, which will run until February 22, began with various morning events across the city including gatherings at the Lemesos Media Group building and major banks. At 19:00, a parade featuring Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, the municipal council, and the Philharmonic Orchestra moved from the City Hall to Grigori Afxentiou Square. The official coronation ceremony took place at 19:30, followed by a party themed after the 1980s and 1990s featuring live music and video mapping on the district administration building. This year’s program emphasizes traditional kantada serenades, reflecting the festival's status as a key element of Cyprus's intangible cultural heritage. Thousands of residents and guests attended the opening day, which transformed central streets into outdoor dance venues.