Limassol is buzzing with activity as final preparations for the annual carnival are underway, with organisers and participants adding the finishing touches to their vibrant floats and elaborate costumes.
This year’s festivities promise to once again transform Limassol into the pulsating heart of Cyprus, drawing in thousands of revellers from across the island and beyond.
At the core of the carnival’s spectacle is the Limassol Costume Room, a treasure trove of theatrical costumes from bygone eras and a kaleidoscope of carnival attire, complete with hats, masks, and dazzling accessories.
The costumes, ranging from handcrafted pieces to those made with a deep passion for detail, are designed to meet the high expectations of the most discerning participants.
Pambos Mavrides, the proprietor of the Costume Room, shared insights into the feverish pace of the preparations. “The teams are ready to declare participation in November. From there on, our time is limited because there is a time-consuming process, as we need to make a large quantity of more than 250 costumes for each team,” Mavrides explained.
With the carnival set to take place in mid-March, many participants feel they still have ample time to decide on their involvement.
This year, the Costume Room is managing the costumes for five teams, a reduction from the up to sixteen teams it has catered to in past years. “Many teams pre-purchase the costumes, and they are available so that we are also ready to cope as the parades approach. The preparations are non-stop, especially in the last month, and we work tirelessly to be ready,” Mavrides added.
However, the carnival industry faces challenges beyond the immediacy of the annual event. A notable concern is the dwindling number of skilled seamstresses, a trend that Mavrides finds worrying for the future of costume-making. “The profession has evolved, and certainly, something needs to be done so that it is not eliminated,” he remarked, highlighting the need for fresh interest in this traditional craft to ensure its survival.
As the countdown to the carnival continues, the spirit of celebration is palpable throughout Limassol. The event, much more than a day of festivity, offers a cherished escape from the mundane, a sentiment Mavrides captures perfectly: “Just the fact that you will dress up in a carnival costume, which is a role, helps to escape, to be relaxed to enjoy and smile. This is the essence of the carnival and when it is done in a beautiful way.”
