Limassol is poised to embrace a vibrant and revitalised celebration as its much-anticipated Carnival returns, promising a fortnight of unparalleled festivity from February 12th to February 22nd. The Limassol Municipality, under the leadership of Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, has orchestrated a programme designed to amplify the historical and cultural resonance of this cherished event, while simultaneously launching a crucial nationwide safety initiative concerning carnival paraphernalia. This year's festivities are further distinguished by the filming of a pilot episode for the international television series ‘My Aphrodite’ amidst the grand parade, adding an unprecedented layer of global exposure.
Mayor Armeftis articulated his enthusiasm, stating, "This year, the Limassol Carnival is presented more dynamic, renewed and enriched, ready to offer unique experiences to young and old." This sentiment underscores the municipality's commitment to enhancing the traditional elements that define the Limassol Carnival. Attendees can anticipate the customary spectacle of elaborate floats, the whimsical allure of "pellomaska" (crazy masks), meticulously crafted handmade costumes, and energetic grand dances, all contributing to an atmosphere of uninhibited merriment. The overarching theme for this year's revelry, 'Limassol madness', encapsulates the spirit of joyful abandon that the organizers aim to cultivate.
Complementing the celebratory spirit is a proactive nationwide safety campaign spearheaded by the Consumer Protection Service. Running from February 5th to February 11th, this initiative aims to preemptively address potential hazards by ensuring that carnival toys and costumes available to the public meet stringent safety standards. Over 55 retail establishments across Cyprus are undergoing thorough inspections, a testament to the authorities’ dedication to safeguarding children from potentially dangerous products. The Consumer Protection Service is also providing accessible guidance on toy safety through its official website, empowering consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. This dual focus on revelry and responsibility highlights a comprehensive approach to the carnival season.
Adding a significant international dimension to the celebrations, the filming of the pilot episode for ‘My Aphrodite’ is scheduled to coincide with the grand carnival parade on February 22nd. Marija Savina, head of the production company Screentale Cyprus, is overseeing this ambitious undertaking, which promises to showcase the unique charm of Limassol's carnival to a global audience. This collaboration is expected to provide invaluable exposure for the city and its cultural traditions, potentially attracting further international interest in film production and tourism.
The soundtrack to this year's festivities will be the Greek rendition of the beloved song “Life is a Carnival,” selected to imbue the event with an even more potent sense of gaiety and shared experience. Amaryllis Kyriakou, who has been bestowed the honour of Queen of the Limassol Carnival, expressed her eagerness to contribute to the festivities. "I will continue the brilliant work of the previous kings and will give my best so that we can all experience an unforgettable carnival together," she declared, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and shared joy that is central to the carnival’s ethos. Through these multifaceted efforts, Limassol is set to deliver a carnival that is not only a vibrant cultural expression but also a model of safety and international engagement.