Limassol is currently abuzz with enthusiastic preparations for its celebrated annual carnival, which is slated to be an even more vibrant and engaging affair in 2026. Concurrently, the city has also unveiled details for the second iteration of the VIMA Art Fair, signalling an impressive cultural double-header on the horizon. The upcoming carnival, scheduled from February 12th to 22nd, 2026, will undoubtedly transform the city into a dynamic hub of creativity. Attendees can anticipate traditional satirical floats, intricate pellomaska masks, and lively performances by cantadores, all while organisers strive to enhance existing elements and introduce novel experiences.
A significant highlight of the carnival's announcement was the prestigious appointment of Amaryllis Kyriakou as the Carnival Queen for 2026. This honour is a clear testament to Kyriakou's unwavering commitment and extensive four-decade involvement with carnival artistry. Her deeply rooted connection to the event, dating back to her initial participation in 1985 and her subsequent leadership of creative ensembles since 2005, underscores the profound significance of her role. Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, speaking at the presentation, emphasised the anticipated dynamism of the upcoming festivities, stating, "This year’s carnival appears more dynamic, renewed and enriched, with events upgraded whilst maintaining and strengthening authentic and historic elements." The cantadores group, Ariones, further animated the presentation with their performances, setting an undeniably spirited tone for the forthcoming celebration.
Complementing the carnival's vibrant cultural calendar, the VIMA Art Fair is scheduled to host its second edition from May 15th to 17th, 2026, with a special preview event on Thursday, May 14th. This year's fair will be distinguished by a compelling curatorial project titled "The Waves Crashing," conceptualised by London-based Greek curator Kostas Stasinopoulos. The project is poised to explore themes of connection and communication through the evocative metaphor of waves, promising a thought-provoking engagement with contemporary art. The curatorial statement elaborates on this concept, noting, "To begin a wave is to relinquish certainty: you may never hear it crash, never see where or how it breaks."
"The Waves Crashing" will manifest as a multifaceted experience, encompassing a group exhibition and an immersive live programme. This live component is slated to include film screenings, dynamic performances, and insightful talks, offering a rich and varied platform for artistic discourse. The primary exhibition space for this project will be situated in the outdoor area of The Warehouse by IT Quarter, Limassol, fostering an engaging dialogue between the artworks and their environment. This initiative by VIMA Art Fair seeks to solidify its position as a significant platform for contemporary artistic expression, inviting audiences to contemplate and interact with innovative creative works. The Limassol Municipality's commitment to decentralising festivities aims to amplify the carnival's impact, ensuring its 100-year-old tradition continues to resonate deeply within the community.