The events of the Limassol Carnival are reaching their peak with preparations for the parade on Sunday (17/03) being feverish, with participants making their final purchases.
Limassol is ready to welcome thousands of carnival enthusiasts once again this year, while entertainment centers, restaurants, cafes, and hotels are making necessary preparations to accommodate and serve both foreign and local visitors.
This year’s organization has exceeded all expectations, with over 120 groups having registered to participate.
There is also an increase in the participation of small pedestrian groups, adding to the frenzy of the parade along Makarios Avenue.
The senior officer of the Cultural Services, Skevi Antoniadou, told Phileleftheros that from the municipality’s perspective, everything is ready for the big celebration, promising that this year’s carnival will stand out.
More than 120 groups are expected to parade, and over 30,000 carnival-goers are anticipated.
“It is the largest carnival parade ever,” said Antoniadou, noting that an integral part of the carnival is the groups that will kick off the carnival parade, the Carnival Queen, the municipal philharmonic, and the majorettes.
This year, according to Antoniadou, it is expected to be overcrowded with carnival-goers exceeding 30,000.
She emphasized that the carnival is a very important aspect and an economic boost for the city, providing a huge economic boost to dozens of businesses.
“We are ready to successfully and safely complete the Limassol Carnival 2024,” she noted.
In recent days, business owners in Limassol are also busy with final preparations to be ready to serve tens of thousands of visitors and carnival lovers.
Speaking to Phileleftheros, the president of the Limassol Hospitality, Entertainment, and Recreation Professionals Association, “ASPIDA”, Cleanthes Kilaniotes, mentioned that the whole scene created has raised expectations, with business owners seeing an increase in their turnover compared to previous years.
He further stated that many have made reservations days ago to enjoy the two-day carnival, while there are currently available tables for last-minute visitors.
Regarding consumption and the increases recorded, Kilaniotes explained that people now choose economical options and seek offers provided by entertainment venues: “There is optimism particularly among the entrepreneurs operating in the city center, and this pleases us.”
The same scene is observed in the hotel industry sector, with the President of the Cyprus Hotels Association Limassol, Christos Tsanos, stating that during this period, Limassol is experiencing the same demand as last year, both from domestic tourism and foreigners.
He supported that the prices offered cater to all budgets, and there is also an increase in bookings for mountain resorts. He noted that there are still available beds, but demand is expected to peak by Friday.
