Epiphany

6 January 2008
All coastal towns

Epiphany is the first major religious celebration of the year, with church services held in all Greek Orthodox churches. In the coastal towns, priests lead the congregation to the sea and throw a large cross into the water to bless it. Many believers brave the cold and jump into the sea, racing to retrieve the cross.

Akamas Festival

January / February
Paphos

Organised by the Paphos Aphrodite Festival, the Akamas Festival is held early in the year, and includes a series of musical events performed in various hotels in Paphos. From classical music to jazz, the programme features musicians in concert from all over Europe.

Carnival Festivities and Parade

9 March 2008
Limassol Town

Carnival time in celebrated across the island, with parades in all towns. The largest and most popular one is staged in Limassol, where an endless line of colourful and extravagant floats attracts thousands of spectators of all ages.

Greek Orthodox Easter

25 - 28 April 2008
All towns

The church festivities begin on Good Friday, with a symbolic enactment of Christ's death and burial. Midnight mass on Saturday evening, with the proclamation of Christ's resurrection, is often followed by a hot bowl of traditional soup shared at home in many families.

Anthestiria (Flower Festival)

May 2008
Larnaca, Paphos and Germasogeia (Limassol)

Anthestiria is a celebration for the coming of spring, the renewal of nature and life dating back to ancient Greece. The programme includes amongst others a flower exhibition and parade of group of people and chariots.
Celebrations are organised in Larnaca, Paphos and in Germasogeia – Limassol.

Cyprus International Trade Fair

May 2008
Nicosia

An annual general trade fair with a variety of consumer and industrial products, organised at the Cyprus International Fair Grounds in Nicosia. Local and International exhibitors.

Kataklysmos

14 - 16 June 2008
All coastal towns

This unique Cypriot holiday, known as the Festival of the Flood and the celebration of Noah’s deliverance, coincides with Pentecost and is marked by traditional games, music, folk dancing, poetry, theatre, fun and entertainment in all seaside towns.
Larnaca: At the Larnaca Palm Trees Promenade organised by the Larnaca Municipality.
Limassol: at the Seafront Promenade.
Ayia Napa: At Ayia Napa harbour, organised by the Ayia Napa Municipality.
Paphos: At Castle square, Kato Paphos, organised by the Paphos Municipality.

Wine Festival

28 August - 9 September 2008
Limassol

The Wine Festival was organised for the first time in 1961 and since then it has become an established annual event of merrymaking and fun, offering a joyful atmosphere to visitors from all over Cyprus and abroad. Wine from the barrels is on offer free of charge every evening. Organised by the Cultural Services of Limassol Municipality, in the Municipal Gardens of the town.

Paphos Aphrodite Festival

31 August - 2 September 2008
Paphos

The Paphos Aphrodite Festival is an international annual artistic event with world famous opera performances which take place in the open air in front of the Medieval Castle in Paphos. Memorable performances to date include Othello, Aida, Nabucco, Zorba the Greek and Tosca.

Cyprus Car Rally

September

Since Cyprus is a well-established holiday destination, the Cyprus Rally has been nicknamed -the Holiday Rally-, as everyone associated with the event is tempted to combine it with a Mediterranean holiday. It is usually taking place in September every yearvand is organised by the Cyprus Automobile Association.

Football

September

Ayia Napa International Festival

28 - 30 September 2008
Ayia Napa

The Agia Napa Festival was first held in September 1985 and has been established as an annual event since then. It occurs in Seferis Square at the Agia Napa Monastery. These festivities reflect the historic, cultural and agricultural traditions of Agia Napa and Cyprus as a whole. The programme includes theatrical performances, operas, concerts, Cypriot and foreign folk dancing. Organised by the Ayia Napa Municipality.

Christmas Celebrations

December
Nicosia

Festivities take place all over Cyprus and the Christmas spirit can be felt everywhere, especially in Nicosia where the Christmas festivities have recently become a main annual event.  Events and displays are organised during the Christmas holidays at Eleftheria Square and the nearby area.
Festivities and events are organised in all towns.