The Carnival in Lemesos

The Carnival in Lemesos dates back to antiquity and is closely related to the history of the Greeks. as it is linked to the Dionysian Festivals called the "Dionysia". During these festivals, a contest was held amongst the three great dramatists of Ancient Greece : Sofocles, Aeschylous and Euripides. Whether it was drama or comedy, the actors had to wear a mask, hence the habit of disguising oneself in modern times.

Photo Credit

The word "carnival" derives from French and Italian -  meaning the end of the meat-eating period. The Greek word for carnival is "Apokries" and is celebrated by the young and the old alike, regardless of age, sex or social status. It is the time of year when people forget all about routine or conventions and follow their passions. It is, above all, a day to relax and have fun.

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

In Cyprus, Lemesos - the second largest city after capital Nicosia - is undoubtedly the Carnival Queen! For the people of Lemesos, it is a festival they look forward to every year and an integral part of our customs and traditions. This year, Sunday 17 marks the end of the Carnival with the grand parade in Lemesos. On Monday - called "Green Monday" - the Greeks observe the beginning of Lent which ends on Easter Day - the greatest celebration of the year for the Greek Orthodox. 

Comments

[Stefania]

It's been ages I haven't been to the carnival in Lemesos- not since the boys were little. Now, I prefer to watch it on TV. Have a great holiday weekend!

[Sophia]

Here in Lemesos, the Carnival for us is more than a tradition. It is part of our city and our lifestyle. It is a time we all look forward to soon after the New Year festivities and , unlike in other cities in Cyprus, we all dress up and have fun. This year it's going to be a great way to forget our problems for a while and be merry, especially at these difficult times of financial crisis our country is going through.

[Constantinos T]

In my childhood, I was Zoro at the carnival. My mother had made for me a great Zoro costume. I've never dressed up for the carnival since then. I guess I am unable to see the fun in disguising oneself...

[Alexia M]

I've been there once and was told that I had to wear a costume! I put on my traditional dutch costume which my mother had sent me for the carnival. So I was a .... dutch village girl. It was a great fun day which I'll never forget!

[Lisa A]

Very nice pictures of your carnival.In Italy the most famous carnivals are in Venice, Sciacca, and Acireale, passing through Ivrea, Viareggio and Fano.

[A Twitter User]

I love festivals, especially colorful ones like these and are rooted in religious and cultural traditions. In the Philippines, we call them "fiestas" and every town celebrate them in different times of the year, aside from the grand feasts that are organized by the local government. In our town, DAvao City, we have the Kadayawan, dubbed as the "biggest, grandest festival of the country," because it showcases the ten indigenous tribes and their culture, dances, parade of fruits and harvests ---and celebrated for one whole week.