May in Cyprus is the time when the island is filled with the scents of flowers and berries, the streets seem to dress up in bright colors, and villages and towns come alive with the sounds of music and laughter. Spring is traditionally a season of festivals dedicated to fertility, nature, and the generosity of the land.
Among these, three festivals stand out for their unique charm and popularity: Anthestiria, the Rose Festival in Agros, and the Strawberry Festival in Deryneia. These events not only showcase the richness of Cypriot nature but also carefully preserve cultural roots that go deep into antiquity.
Anthestiria: Flowers as a Symbol of Rebirth
The Anthestiria Festival traces its origins to antiquity, when the Greeks honored the god Dionysus—patron of winemaking, fertility, and revelry. The word "Anthestiria" comes from the ancient Greek ἄνθος (ánthos), meaning "flower." In ancient Athens, the festival lasted three days and included vibrant processions, theatrical performances, sacrifices, and—of course—an abundance of flowers that decorated homes, temples, and streets.
With the spread of Christianity and the shift in cultural paradigms, the festival lost its religious significance but retained its spring symbolism. Today, Anthestiria in Cyprus is a celebration of nature, beauty, and the renewal of life. It has firmly established itself in the calendar as one of the island’s most beloved springtime events. Flower parades, street decorations, music, dancing, and fairs turn Anthestiria into more than just a holiday—it becomes a true cultural phenomenon.
Festival Program in 2025
In 2025, the Anthestiria celebration will once again unfold in three coastal cities: Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. Each city has prepared its own version of the spring festivity, but all events share a common theme: a love for flowers, art, and tradition.
In Limassol, in the Potamos Germasogeia area (parking area), Anthestiria kicks off on May 3. From the morning hours, the central streets will begin to transform: vendors will set up stalls offering hundreds of varieties of fresh flowers—from roses and dahlias to wild herbs—and florists will create large-scale floral compositions to decorate squares, fountains, and even pavements. The festive atmosphere will be enhanced by musical groups, children's choirs, and folk ensembles performing live in the streets.
In the evening at 19:00, the official opening ceremony will take place, followed by the traditional parade.
On the second day, May 4, the main events will unfold:
- 15:00 – shadow theatre
- 17:30 – musical program
- 19:00 – parade accompanied by a philharmonic orchestra
- 19:15 – dance program
- 19:30 – concert
In Paphos, the celebration will take place—as is tradition—on the Poseidonos Promenade, the city's main coastal thoroughfare. Here, the flower parade typically begins, heading toward the old port of Kato Paphos. Spectators gather along the sides of the street to enjoy the procession of flower-covered floats and performances by artists.
In Larnaca, the festival will be held for one day only—on May 11—at the Finikoudes Promenade. Festivities start at 11:00 AM and continue until evening, featuring musical, gastronomic, and—naturally—floral entertainment!
In Larnaca, the festival will last only one day — May 11. It will take place on the Finikoudes promenade, starting at 11:00 AM. All activities will run until the evening and will include musical, gastronomic — and, of course, floral — entertainment!
Agros Rose Festival: Damask Beauty in the Heart of the Mountains
The Rose Festival is held in the village of Agros for a good reason. This mountain village in the Troodos region has long been famous for its microclimate, which is ideal for growing Damask roses. Here, the rose is not just a decorative flower but a cultural and economic symbol. Since the late 19th century, the residents of Agros have been actively producing rose water, oil, and cosmetics based on traditional distillation methods.
The first modern version of the Rose Festival took place in the early 2000s and quickly became one of the most popular rural celebrations. Its purpose is not only entertainment but also the promotion of local farmers’ products and the preservation of traditional rose-growing and processing techniques.
Festival Program for 2025
The celebration will take place over two weekends — May 10–11 and May 17–18. On these days, the village of Agros will transform into a fragrant oasis. From early morning, the streets will be filled with the scent of rose water, freshly cut blooms, and sweets. Tourists and locals will be able to stroll among stalls selling rose oil-based cosmetics, jams, liqueurs, and soaps — all with the distinctive light aroma of the Damask rose.
One of the central attractions of the festival is the traditional rose factory workshop, where guests can watch the distillation of rose petals in copper stills. Meanwhile, tour guides offer walks to the rose plantations just outside the village — where visitors can try their hand at picking petals and learn how the plants are cultivated.
In the afternoon, cultural events begin: folk ensembles perform on stage, alternating with theatrical performances and dances. Children can participate in creative activities — modeling with rose-scented wax, painting clay pots, and making aromatic sachets.
Agros village on the map
Strawberry Festival in Deryneia: Sweet Abundance
Deryneia — a rural community in the Famagusta district — is known as the strawberry capital of Cyprus. Nearly 60% of the strawberries sold on the domestic market are grown here. The locals proudly uphold their agricultural traditions, and the fertile soil and mild climate create ideal conditions for cultivating strawberries. The Strawberry Festival has been held every two years since 1999 and has become an integral part of the region’s cultural life. It was conceived as a way to thank farmers and highlight their work — and as a joyful occasion for tastings and celebrating nature.
Festival Program for 2025
The 2025 Strawberry Festival will take place not in spring, but in early summer — on June 6 at the football stadium of the "Anagennisi" team. From the very first moments, guests will be greeted at the entrance by the sweet aroma of fresh berries. The spacious grounds will turn into a strawberry paradise: the stalls will offer fresh strawberries, juices, smoothies, ice cream, mousses, jams, and pies with strawberry filling. Particularly popular are the strawberry cocktails and chocolate-covered desserts prepared right before visitors’ eyes.
Dozens of kiosks featuring local products will line the avenue. Visitors will be able to buy not just berries, but also strawberry wine, natural face masks, scented candles, and souvenirs with festival symbols. Starting at noon, the stage will host musical performances featuring young talents and well-known Cypriot artists. In between concerts, fun competitions will take place — including strawberry-eating contests, best strawberry costume, and various games for children.
A separate area will be set up for young guests with entertainers, inflatable attractions, painting workshops, and crafts involving strawberries. In the late evening, once the sun sets, a fireworks show will light up the stadium — a spectacular finale to this sweet seasonal celebration.
Deryneia on the map
Spring Festival Calendar in Cyprus — 2025
Rose Festival in Agros
- Agros Village, Troodos
- May 10–11 and 17–18, 2025
- From 9:30 AM to late evening; main cultural program begins at 3:00 PM
Anthestiria
- Limassol (Germasogeia area): May 3–4, 2025. Flower parades on May 3 & 4 at 19:00
- Paphos (Poseidonos Promenade → Old Port of Kato Paphos): May 6, 2025
- Larnaca (Finikoudes Promenade): May 11, from 11:00 AM
Strawberry Festival in Deryneia
- Anagennisi Football Stadium, Deryneia. June 6, 2025, from 6:00 PM to midnight; gala concert at 9:00 PM, fireworks at around 11:00 PM
Many other exciting festivals take place in Cyprus throughout the summer, attracting both locals and tourists. These events span a wide range of themes — from cultural and musical to gastronomic and wine-related. Summer in Cyprus is a true kaleidoscope of celebrations that offer a deeper glimpse into the island’s traditions and customs.
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