The island is entering one of its best seasons. With spring around the corner, Cyprus is about to bloom as the fields turn green, the trees blossom and the weather is perfect for adventuring into the country’s rural landscapes. To celebrate the season, a series of traditional festivals are coming up in February and March.
Arriving just as February rolls in – which is next weekend! – is the 2nd Mandarin Festival in Arakapas. The Limassol village will put on a packed one-day fiesta celebrating the seasonal fruit in all its glory. Stalls with handmade products by the women in the village and local producers will showcase the diverse uses and recipes made with mandarins while an entertainment programme adds song and music to the day.
There are two mandarin festivals to look forward to this season. Besides the one in Arakapas, Dierona village will host its own mandarin festival in early March. This will be a two-day event, held on March 8 and 9, and will be the 5th year the Dierona Community Council organises it. Though the full programme has not yet been announced, you can expect a market, mandarin-based products to buy and taste, including drinks and of course, live music and games for the little ones.

Early spring brings another phenomenon to enjoy in rural Cyprus – the blossoming almond trees. To celebrate this cycle of nature and enjoy the beautiful trees, three villages organise festivals dedicated to them.
Limnatis village in the district of Limassol will host the 18th Almond Blossom Festival on February 23 with activities, walks, games and performances for all to enjoy. On the same day, Yiolou village in Paphos will also organise its Almond Blossom Festival.
A children’s dance group will open the event, followed by hands-on workshops on the flower blossoms, the seeds and tree branches used. More entertainment and a market with 25 exhibitors will make it a fun village day out. Salamiou village will also host a festival for its almond trees, expected to take place in March, although details have not been shared yet.
Lastly, Polemi in Paphos will showcase its wild tulips with a festival on March 30. This annual event is expected to bring visitors closer to nature to admire this wildflower that grows in the area every spring.
Arakapas Mandarin Festival
Annual traditional festival with music, song, and local mandarin products to buy and taste. February 1. Arakapas village, Limassol district. 10am-7pm. Free
Dierona Mandarin Festival
Mandarin festival with a market, entertainment and more. March 8-9. Dierona village, Limassol district. Tel: 99-409938
18th Almond Blossom Festival
Annual traditional festival. February 23. Limnatis village, Limassol district. 11am-4pm
Giolou Almond Blossom Festival
One-day festival with 25 exhibitors, workshops and live performances. February 23. Giolou village, Paphos district. 11am
Wild Tulip Festival
Annual spring festival. March 30. Polemi village, Paphos district. March 30. https://www.polemi.org/
Click here to change your cookie preferences