The Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Nikos Nikolaides, considers the carnival to be a part of his life, as since childhood, his parents made sure to dress him up for the carnival and attend all carnival-related events. As a teenager, he honored the traditions of the masquerade, and later on participated in dances at the Rialto, where he fondly recalls unforgettable nights as a member of serenading groups. Since 2017, he has experienced the carnival from the organizer’s perspective, acknowledging the hard work and passion of those dedicated to organizing the carnival.

In light of this year’s celebrations already being underway in the city, he spoke about Limassol’s most emblematic event of the year.

For me personally, and I believe for many of my fellow citizens, the Limassol Carnival is the perfect opportunity to change the rhythms of our lives, even if it's just for ten days. To temporarily set aside the daily problems and worries and view life with joy, optimism and certainly with more enthusiasm. It is a prime opportunity for people to enjoy life and company, and have fun with all their heart in a city that pulsates with exuberant festivities throughout the carnival season.

The carnival and Limassol have become inseparable over the years. Limassolians deeply love this tradition and consider it essential, as it serves as a refueling station for them to continue facing daily life with all its challenges. It is part of the Limassolian culture and encourages them to be even more open and hospitable. It is also their obligation to carry on the tradition they inherited, passing it from one generation to the next. All these elements make Limassolians genuinely revel in the carnival season, captivating both their lively rhythms and visitors.

The queen of this year’s carnival, Christiana Charalambous, holds the title “The Queen of Limassol, the Jewel of the Mediterranean”, as Limassol is a gem in the Mediterranean and our carnival belongs to the whole of Cyprus. Through the events offered for free to everyone, the Municipality of Limassol provides entertainment, relaxation, and, as a beautiful serenade suggests, invites everyone to ‘leave their troubles and worries behind and join us in all the crazy fun’. It is important to note that the Municipality of Limassol emphasizes events related to serenading groups, as they are an integral part of the carnival. The Limassol Carnival is the only one in the world that incorporates serenading and serenaders into its events. Furthermore, the participation of people in outdoor dances, where the contest for masquerades and clever masks takes place, continues to grow every year. This is particularly pleasing to us, as satire is an integral part of the Limassol Carnival. 

The carnival certainly makes Limassol an attraction during these specific ten days. During this period, businesses , youth hangouts, and our hotels are all overworked. In general, it is a tradition that strengthens the economy. Of course, we cannot ignore the significant cost required to its organization. The contribution of companies and individuals who consistently support our Municipality’s efforts is crucial, and with this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to them.

The upgrade of the carnival in recent years, especially in outdoor events and those held at Haroupomilou, is recognised by the public, as evidenced by the large and continuously increasing participation. The Municipality of Limassol, through free events, provides the opportunity for carnival-goers to enjoy wonderful artists such as Bessy Argyraki, Sofia Arvaniti, Evridiki, the Mple band, Doros Demosthenous, Neoklis Neophytides, and many more.

The most special day of the carnival, personally, is Tsiknopempti. It marks the beginning of the carnival period, a day when Limassol, from one end to the other, starts moving to the rhythms of this grand celebration. Our participation in the parade that ends at the Grigoris Afxentiou Square for the reception and crowning of the Carnival King or Queen is always very special.

The carnival has been a part of my life since my childhood, so the memories accompanying me are plentiful. As far back as I can remember from my childhood and through photographs, our parents always made sure to dress us up in costumes and take us to parades and other carnival events. Memories from my teenage and student years are even more intense, especially from our group visits, dressed in masks, to our teacher’s houses, with a lot of laughter and endless teasing. Equally vivid are the memories from the grand dances at the Rialto, and later at hotels, with mask competitions and groups of friends roaming the hotels all night long. I also remember fondly the unforgettable nights I experienced as a member of serenading groups

Through my position, I’ve had the opportunity to witness first-hand the hard work and passion of the people who work tirelessly for the organization of the carnival. Their dedication and strong desire to offer the world a perfectly organized celebration made me appreciate and love the Limassol Carnival even more.

I invite everyone who will be attending this year’s Limassol Carnival to set aside any daily worries and enjoy the events we have planned with their whole soul, and revel in the unique rhythms that only Limassol can offer them.