Paphos’ Festivals Calendar for the Spontaneous Visitor
The inhabitants of Paphos, Cyprus enjoy the distinction of a very rich and colorful history. The ancient architecture and cultural traditions handed down through centuries of inhabitation encourage a diverse series of celebrations highlighting the best facets of life on the island. Year in year out, thousands of tourists visit the islands at the respective time of the year to participate in celebrating the rich history of Cyprus, Greece. Here is a calendar for the festivals celebrated in Paphos during different times of the year.
Limassol Festival
This is a celebration centered on the nearby metropolitan area and is often referred to as Carnival. It is a nonstop party similar to the Brazilian holiday and New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration. The festivities begin 10 days before Lent, and last for weeks leading up to the Grand Carnival Parade on the second Sunday of the celebrations.
Paphos Marathon and Classical Games
These events are held every March. They include a 35 Km marathon, a half marathon and 10Km fun run. The marathon originates at Petra Tou Romiou (the legendary birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite) and ends in the medieval courtyard of the Paphos Castle in the main harbor. The city also hosts a daylong celebration of the original Olympic Games first held in this area thousands of years ago.
The Flower Festival
This festival is held every May as a celebration of return of spring season. It is popularly known as Anthestiria by the locals. There is an ancient tradition to celebrate the Grecian god of theatres and parties (Dionysius) held every four years and this festival involves exactly that. During the festival, parades of flowers and floats travel the road of Poseidon towards the old harbor in Kato Paphos.
The RockiN Sun Festival
Paphos island doesn’t only boast with traditional festivals. New innovations have come by and new traditions started. This new festival boasts two days of internationally acclaimed artists on two stages for a very loud, very energetic change of pace from the usual standard. Here, you could shout at the top of your voice and nobody would notice.
Peanut Festival
This festival represents everything that Cypriot culture is about; Wine, traditional food, music and dance. Held in the final day of summer, tourists travel from all over the world to join locals in their celebration of life on the island. There are plenty live performances, lots of excitement and nonstop entertainment. This is the perfect time to try a sampling of Cyprus’ world famous traditional cuisine.
This is held every September at the converted Byzantine fortress in Old Port Paphos. The three day Opera festival hosts some of the most famous stage shows in a breathtaking venue that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Special guest artists usually perform live making the concert-like festival amazing.
Where to Stay
So you’ve found yourself in Paphos during one of this period of festivities, where do you stay? Most Hotels would most certainly be fully packed. A place renowned for its hospitality and efficient staff to lay your head after a fun-filled day is what would suit you. The Louis Imperial Beach Hotel is the place to leave you feeling complete. From high class rooms to exquisite suites, this is the place to book your reservation or check in. It is a strategically located Hotel where you can easily gain access to the popular tourist attraction areas. The rooms boast of a stunning view of the sea, while a mini-bar, swimming pool and beauty salons ensure that you won’t experience a moment of boredom in any of your spontaneous visits!
Photos by hAl1927
