Returning to Larnaca for its latest edition, the 15th Mediterranean Folklore Dance Festival will bring dance ensembles from the Mediterranean and Cyprus together. From September 17 to 20 dozens of dance companies will perform traditional and folklore dances of the region and add a musical flair to downtown Larnaca. In addition to events happening on the Finikoudes seafront stage, the festival will also travel to Nicosia.

As part of the Nicosia municipality’s series of events under the title Summer Nights 2022, it presents one night of the Mediterranean Folklore Dance Festival in the capital. At 6pm on September 16, a day before the festival officially opens in Larnaca, an afternoon programme will be presented at Phaneromeni Square titled Dancing and Embracing Tradition.

“A mosaic of cultures, with colours, sounds and dances from all over the world and hundreds of dancers will pour into the streets of the city,” say organisers. “A festival of joy, with parades and a dance march starting from Phaneromeni Square and then on the pedestrian streets of Onasagorou and Ledras, from 6pm to 7.30om in the afternoon will entice everyone to traditional rhythms from various countries.”

The parade’s route will conclude at the square at 8pm where visitors can enjoy a two-hour programme by the folklore dance groups. Apart from the evening’s performances though, visitors will be invited to join in the fun by taking part in the dancing!

15th Mediterranean Folklore Dance Festival

Annual folklore dance festival. September 16. Phaneromenis Square, Nicosia. 6pm. September 17-20. Finikoudes stage, Larnaca. 8pm. Free