Limassol is abuzz with anticipation as preparations for its renowned annual carnival are well underway, promising an even more vibrant and engaging celebration for 2026. Alongside these festive preparations, the city has also unveiled details for the second edition of the VIMA Art Fair, signalling a significant cultural double-header on the horizon. The upcoming carnival, scheduled to run from February 12th to 22nd, 2026, will see the city transformed into a hub of creativity, featuring the traditional satirical floats, intricate pellomaska masks, and the lively performances of cantadores, all while aiming to enhance existing elements and introduce novel experiences.
At the heart of the carnival's announcement was the revelation of Amaryllis Kyriakou as the chosen Carnival Queen for 2026. This prestigious appointment is a testament to Kyriakou's enduring commitment and extensive four-decade engagement with carnival artistry. Her deep-rooted connection to the event, dating back to her participation in 1985 and her subsequent leadership of creative ensembles since 2005, underscores the significance of her role in honouring the carnival's legacy and fostering its future evolution. Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, speaking at the event presentation held at the Panos Solomonides Municipal Cultural Centre, highlighted 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 including satirical floats, pellomaska traditional masks, handmade costumes and large dances." The cantadores group, Ariones, further animated the presentation with their performances, setting a spirited tone for the forthcoming celebration.
Complementing the carnival's vibrant cultural calendar, the VIMA Art Fair is set to host its second iteration from May 15th to 17th, 2026, with a preview event scheduled for 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 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. To be able to receive, a wave demands a profound reorientation of internal and external intentions and politics."
"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 enriching the carnival experience is evident in its strategic approach to decentralising festivities, bringing the celebrations closer to residents across various neighbourhoods, including Agia Fyla, Agios Nikolaos, and Mesa Geitonia. This inclusive strategy aims to amplify the carnival's impact, ensuring its 100-year-old tradition continues to resonate deeply within the community and attract a wide array of visitors for its 11-day duration. With the dual announcements of a revitalised carnival and an artistically ambitious art fair, Limassol is firmly establishing itself as a burgeoning centre for cultural engagement and celebration in the region.