Carnival is one of those events that almost everyone loves. All around the world people celebrate this period in different ways but always with the common spirit of freedom. In Cyprus carnival is celebrated with enthusiasm and he city of Limassol is well known for its carnival tradition.

The history of Limassol carnival tradition has its origins in ancient Greece, through which it later arrived in the island having a special impact in the ancient civilization of Amathounta. Dionisia in honor of Dionisos and Adonia, in honor of Aphrodite’s exceptionally beautiful demigod lover, Adonis, were two ancient festivals where both children and adults would participate in disguise. Historical evidence proves that the carnival feast, continued during the Middle Age. Also, it survived and the periods of the Venetian and the Frankish Rule despite the dominance of Christianity who brought strict moral laws.
The first references that we have nowdays about the beginning of this tradition comes from Neofitos Englistos and Cristofori of Nirenberg. Neofitos condemn those who participate in the pagan and foreign tradition of celebrating the beginning of the Great Lent. Cristofori mentions that Cypriot nobles used to organize feasts made up of games and dance in the XVI century.

People continued to celebrate Carnival during the long period of the Ottoman rule as well as during the period of the British rule. In 1898, private individuals set up the first committee which would honor the person in the best disguise with twenty golden francs.

The year of 1928 is of great significance since the mine workers from Amiantos participate in the parade, while using twenty-five cars, which belonged to the mine. The driver, Georgios Chormouzios, oversaw their philharmonic orchestra. This marked the beginning of the working class participating in the carnival events. Now carnival was for everyone.

The next milestone happened in 1929 during the Limassol carnival. The first beauty pageant had been introduced. The fact of select a ‘beauty queen’ seemed a rather radical move at the time.

A few years later, at the beginning of the 1930s, the cinemas Giordamli and Rialto were in operation in Limassol. Thanks to their progressive owners or managers, Ioulios Giordamli and Christoforos Malakasas, the most successful and crowded events were organized there for the next three decades. During that time, social classes were abolished and thus, rich and poor people used to have fun together, turning the carnival into a crowded, public feast.

Music is another important aspect of the carnival. The serenade of Limassol is of an equally high level as the serenades of Kefallonia, Zakynthos and Athens. It is praised by many people, including the serenades Giorgalletoi and the Ares choir. In 1910, the conductor Georgios Chormouzios creates the first mandolinata and consistently takes part in carnival events. Later on, he took the people of Limassol by surprise by participating for the first time in the carnival parade.

The carnival has survived in periods of obscurantism and of strong religious beliefs and it had been criticized many times by the church and priests. The town of Limassol was also under fire for hosting the sinful carnival. However, it is obvious that even during difficult times, it manages to survive and to attract even more people. Nowadays during Carnival Limassol hosts a huge parade which mixes music, costumes, wildness and fun.

Anyway, the best way to understand the Limassol carnival is to experience it. This year some of the Mission Tradition team had the opportunity to join in this amazing event. We leave you with some of their impressions:

Alessia Rizzato, from Italy, said: “Thanks to Limassol I discover a different way to celebrate the Carnival. Even if I live very close to Venice, a city where Carnival is one of the most important celebrations of the year, surprisingly I had never seen floats in my whole life. In Limassol everything, from the endless parade to the floats, the music or the colorful whirlwinds of streamers, involves the whole city and recalls each of its inhabitants to participate. You can't stand still ... and suddenly you find yourself dancing next to a ninja, a pirate, a little mermaid or maybe a unicorn. In Limassol you can really breathe the spirit of the Carnival, the one that makes us all feel like children again even if it is only for a day.”

Oscar Fernandez, from Spain, added: “In my region Carnival is celebrated in a very traditional way. Many small villages upkeep ancient costumes and they wear them with proudness. They are related with ancient rituals or events. Also, my region is in the mountains, so usually is rainy, foggy and cold. Limassol for me was an explosion of color, sun and good vibes. To enjoy a carnival parade in a beautiful coastal city was a new and amazing experience.”