The shortest month of the year, the crippled one, the one that is usually being ridiculed in satirical portraits and cartoons as the “shorty,” compared to his “brothers,” happens to be known for a number of pointers and festivities in Cyprus. To start with, the World Day of People in Love, namely Valentine’s Day is broadly and vibrantly celebrated across the island on February 14th. Then, there’s the Almond Festival at Limnatis village, encompassing a program of traditional dances and complimentary tasting of traditional products made of almond. February 9th constitutes the International Day of the Greek language, and as a Greek-Cypriot, it felt that special homage should be paid by way of reference in this edition.
During February, the season of grand sales begin in Cyprus that may stretch up to 70-80% off, rendering boutiques, fur providers and jewelry stores, enticing destinations. Mountain bikers might also be interested in the Cyprus Sunshine Cup, which takes place within February and March in Tochni, Kalavasos and Amathus area, and includes participation in the races along with a training camp.
However, what REALLY stands out in February is the legendary Carnival season, a 10 day period of merriment, partying and ingeniously majestic costumes. Limassol jumps out as the central and leading spot of action, where during this popular event, fancy dress balls and costume parties are held in hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, taverns, both indoor and outdoor, around the Medieval Castle in the Old Town district, as well as in people’s homes. Uplifting music, traditional carnival, local and foreign songs, flamboyant decoration, multi-colored, imaginative outfits, vibrant energy and lively atmosphere, set the background for 10 days of unleashed exuberance, before the 50 day interval of Lent and fasting for the Greek Orthodox Easter set off.
The Festivities
always begin on a Thursday, otherwise known as “Tsiknopempti” (Pempti is the Greek word for Thursday, while Tsikna refers to the barbecue smell). It surely makes quite a site, driving around the town of Limassol in Tsiknopempti, as the locals set their chargrills outside shops, workplaces, offices, banks as early as 10am. As meat – usually lamb, pork and chicken, burns on the grill, groups of people are gathered around it, drinking alcoholic beverages, swaying in the rhythm of the tunes playing. Happy faces, eager to banish the tension, anxieties and difficulties of everyday life are everywhere. And it is considered quite normal to come across men, women and children disguised and completely made up, anytime, anywhere. The Saripolou square – the “sine qua non” in Limassol is at peak demand on Tsiknopempti for lunch, as it is the place to be for getting both a glimpse and a taste of what Carnival feels like to Limassolians. It unquestionably represents the least productive day of the year!
The Carnival program includes among other things, exhibitions of carnival costumes, ceramic and paper masks, the Municipality Brass Bands, the Limassol Majorettes, as well as the King and/or Queen of the Carnival accompanied by their entourage parading through the streets of Limassol, the Limassol Serenaders singing at various festive events organized by the Municipality, the Children’s Carnival Parade at the Sea Front road, crazy costume and classic cars parades, climaxing with the Grand Carnival Parade at Archibishop Makarios III Avenue on Sunday, a day before Green or Clean Monday.
The Grand Carnival Parade that stands as the last event of the Carnival festival, takes place at the town’s main road which is transformed into an interminable, leisurely-moving procession of elaborate carnival chariots, followed by the participants of each group, spectacularly dressed up in fancy clothes and grandiosely made up. A large number of people from all over the island, including tourists, gather up to watch the spectacle of the pageant of vehicles and masqueraded groups, throwing confetti, blowing streamers, dancing to the boosting carnival melodies.
The Weather
With that said, in the event you are contemplating a winter break, away from the frost of northern climates, yearning for the balmy Mediterranean temperatures of 18-20 degrees Celsius, being in Limassol during the Carnival season in February, could be an awesome opportunity for you to gain this exceptional experience. And while you are at it, as a bonus, you could also relish the rapid, promising blossoming of nature, appreciating the inauguration of spring. In Cyprus! In February!