What’s on this weekend

The first weekend of December is here! Amidst the Christmas mayhem that is about to commence, there are plenty of cultural happenings in store. Art exhibition openings, second-hand bazaars, social events and wellness festivals are coming up this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Opening on Friday in Limassol is Georgios N. Paparoditis’ solo photography exhibition at Exhibit8 Gallery at 7.30pm. The Aru Naru Suru – Beauty in rural Japan exhibition showcases the results of a study of traditional Japanese aesthetics through the medium of photography. Under the mentorship of Japanese artist and master woodworker Masaharu Izaki, Georgios N. Paparoditis studied these aesthetic principles over six months in everyday life scenes in rural Japan. Now he presents his work through a series of photographs, exhibited until December 16.

In Nicosia, a speed dating event for 40- to 50-year-olds will take place at Entos twn Technwn this Friday, inviting singletons to meet and chat. The way it works is rather simple: sit in front of your date and try to get to know them in five minutes before the bell rings and you move on to the next person. This is part of a series of speed dating events by Entos twn Technwn, organising themed nights for all ages, genders and sexual orientations.

Just outside the city’s Venetian Walls, Common Room next to Prozak Kafeneio will host a Winter Clothing Bazaar with second-hand items. The bazaar will be a three-day affair, from Friday to Sunday, and will feature selected vintage and unique clothing from over 15 vendors.

In Limassol, the very popular Mind, Body & Spirit Festival will host its 2023 edition at St Raphel’s Resort again on December 2 and 3. More than 80 lectures, workshops and classes will take place across the weekend, while the MBS Marketplace will feature over 70 vendors selling holistic, healthy products, natural cosmetics, wellness services and more.

And that’s not all. It wouldn’t be the first weekend of December without some festive markets. In Paphos, Technopolis 20 will host its 9^th annual Christmas market 3 Weeks to Christmas this Sunday. From 10 to 5pm, visitors will be able to browse handmade creations, Christmas decorations and ornaments, ceramics, handbags, scarves, books, traditional products, greeting cards, sweets and more.

Lastly, the Misfit Sundays event that was cancelled last week in Nicosia returns this weekend but on a Saturday. On December 2, Misfits Union in Engomi will host a day of music, food and an art and flea market from 2pm to 8pm. Bites from the venue, a happy hour, music by DJ Marilena and a market with thrift sellers will set the mood for a great weekend!

Aru Naru Suru – Beauty in Rural Japan

Photography exhibition by Georgios N. Paparoditis. December 1-16. Exhibit8 gallery, Limassol. Opening night: 7.30pm. Tuesday-Friday: 10am-11pm/ Saturday: 12pm-11pm. Tel: 25-212171. www.exhibit8.com.cy

Nicosia Speed Dating

Speed dating for 40- to 50-year-olds. December 1. Entos twn Technwn, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €15. Drinks included. Registrations necessary. Tel: 97-681858

Winter Clothing Bazaar

Second-hand bazaar. December 1-3. Common Room, Prozak Kafeneio, Nicosia. Friday: 4pm-9pm. Saturday: 11am-8pm. Sunday: 11am-6pm

Mind, Body & Spirit Festival

Annual holistic two-day festival. December 2-3. St Raphael’s Hotel, Limassol. 11am-8.30pm on day 1, 10am-8pm on day 2. €15 per day, €25 for the weekend. www.mbscyprus.com

9^th Christmas Market

One-day market with local vendors and creations. December 3. Technopolis 20, Paphos. 10am-5pm. Tel: 7000-2420

Misfit Sundays

Art & flea market, DJ music, food and a happy hour. December 2. Misfit Union, Nicosia. 2pm-8pm. Tel: 99-338577