Festivals of all kinds are set to light up Cyprus throughout August. As the island continues to revel in the festival season, the August holidays will not slow down the vibrant cultural events. While many may escape to the beaches or the cool mountains, Cyprus’ cultural scene remains as lively as ever. Here’s where culture, music, art, and cinema will be thriving this August.
Lemesos International Documentary Festival: August 1-8
Kicking off the festival season in August is the 19th Lemesos International Documentary Festival. This event will showcase more than 20 award-winning documentaries at Ceronia Hall – Lanitis Carob Mill. Alongside film screenings from around the globe, the festival will feature a series of parallel events including Q&A sessions, music events, open-air parties, and DJ sets.
Website: www.filmfestival.com.cy
Fengaros Festival: August 1-3
One of the biggest music festivals of the month, the 12th Fengaros Festival, will take place in the picturesque village of Katy Drys. Festivalgoers can enjoy over 60 music acts across four stages set throughout the cobblestone alleys. Artists from Cyprus and around the world will perform, and the CUPRA Museum and Carlsberg Beer Garden will host experimental sounds and dynamic DJ sets.
Website: www.fengaros.com/f2024
International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama: Until August 10
Since mid-July, this festival has presented remarkable productions of ancient Greek tragedies. Next up is Aeschylus’ Oresteia, performed by the National Theatre of Greece. On August 2 and 3, a cast of 32 actors will bring this ancient tragedy to life at the Curium Ancient Theatre. The festival will close with Euripides’ The Bacchae, performed at Curium on August 9 and 10.
Website: www.greekdramafest.com
Garden Film Screenings: August 7 & 9
The Garden Film Screenings series, organized by Kimonos Art Centre, continues in Paphos at the Attikon open-air cinema. Upcoming screenings include American Psycho on August 7 and the Cypriot film Antio Koproskila on August 9. Both films start at 9pm, with an entrance fee of €5.
Website: www.kimonosartcenter.com/garden-screenings
Countryside Animafest Cyprus Views of the World: August 9-12
The Countryside Animafest Cyprus Views of the World Festival will host its 23rd edition in the village of Salamiou. This year, 33 films from 14 countries will compete in the International Competition section. The festival includes works by promising newcomers and acclaimed masters, with additional screenings of children’s films, local productions, and special events.
Website: www.animafest.com.cy
Antilalos Fest: August 13
The 5th Antilalos Festival returns to Kyperounta, offering live music in the church courtyard. Local musicians will perform, accompanied by street food, drinks, and the cool mountain air. Performers are typically young musicians and ensembles from Cyprus, singing in Greek.
Website: www.facebook.com/antilalosfestival
Paphos Beer Festival: August 22-25
The popular Paphos Beer Festival returns for its 12th year at the Medieval Castle square. This four-day event offers a variety of beers from local and international breweries, street food, and live music from artists across Cyprus, Greece, and beyond. Entrance is free.
Website: www.cyprusbeerfestival.com
24th Paradise Jazz Festival: August 23-24
Jazz enthusiasts can look forward to the Paradise Jazz Festival in Gialia village. Held at Val’s Place, the festival will feature six shows and two jam sessions with renowned jazz musicians from Cyprus and abroad. Highlights include performances by George Kontrafouris and his Baby Trio, and world-famous American keyboard player David Garfield.
Website: www.paradisejazzfestival.com
Anti-Skino Outdoor Theatre Festival: August 30-31
The Anti-Skino Outdoor Theatre Festival will be held in Kato Pyrgos, featuring theatre and performance art acts. This year’s theme, Utopia, will explore social, political, economic, and environmental issues through various performances.
Website: www.anti-skino.eu