February is an interesting month events-wise. The Christmas mayhem is long gone, new cultural productions bring a fresh air of creativity and the whole month is caught between winter and spring-focused events. To top it all off, two big annual celebrations make this February even more packed – Valentine’s Day events (or anti-Valentine’s) and carnival parties and traditions! This weekend has a good mix of all of them. Here’s what not to miss this Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Cyprus.
Nicosia
The capital city kicks off Valentine’s events with a concert by popular Greek star Panos Mouzourakis. Performing his personal hits, favourite Greek love songs and ballads, the singer will serenade listeners on Friday night at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre. His show is one of many performances coming up by Greek musicians this February and March.
On the same evening, a Retro Night will be held at the iconic Antonakis Music Hall in old Nicosia with party band Time Surfers and DJ Claudio playing 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s tunes. The fiesta, held under the auspices of the Cuban ambassador Angel Gustavo Suárez Cordero, has a charitable cause and all proceeds will be donated to Voice for Autism.
On Sunday, the Italian Tenors will travel to the Nicosia Municipal Theatre to present their Candlelit Love Concert. Italian arias, romantic songs and heartfelt melodies performed by the three tenors will fill the theatre, charming audiences this Valentine’s weekend.
Larnaca
For a break from the weekend’s many Valentine’s Day events, the Not Another Valentine’s comedy and drag show is a must. It is the first of its kind, bringing together drag queens and comedians for an evening of good ol’ fun and shimmy. Drag queens PHNX and Lynn Dynasty will entertain the crowds while comedian Giorgos Kyriakou cracks the jokes at Savino Live this Sunday at 6pm.
The Kato Drys Bee & Embroidery Museum has a fun day planned on Sunday, celebrating the blossom of the almond trees and bees. A day event will kick off at 10am where visitors can discover 15 local varieties of almonds, try the traditional Cypriot drink made from almonds Soumada, learn about the world of bees and walk around the village.
Limassol
Limassol has its fair share of events this weekend including the Johann Strauss Operetta Gala at Pattihio Theatre with internationally acclaimed musicians celebrating the bicentenary of his birth.
Before that, the Celebrity Gala – Love Dance on Thursday and Friday will pay tribute to the day of love with remarkable ballet performances from some of the world’s top dancers. This unique spectacle is divided into three acts that will grace the stage of Pattihio Theatre.
In more of a party mood is the Nostalgia Parties x disclosure night at Mason Bar this Friday. Manic Mike and disclosure’s resident duo will blast electronic sounds, house, techno music and beyond. Also happening is a photography exhibition that raises funds for the Bufuka Primary School in Uganda. Housed at the Limassol Municipal Arts Centre – Papadakis Warehouses on Saturday, the Okusiima exhibition will be open from 6pm to 9pm.
Paphos
Finally, Russian-speaking audiences in Paphos will get to enjoy the play Home this Saturday, presented by the GoDar Studio Theatre at Markideio Theatre. Vibrant and provocative, it is based on Federico García Lorca’s classic play The House of Bernarda Alba. A tale of repressed desires, the struggle for personal freedom and societal expectations will take the stage at 6pm.
If you are craving more, get ready for the next two weekends which will be dressed in full on carnival fever.
Celebrity Gala – Love Dance
Ballet performances from some of the world’s top dancers. February 13-14. Pattihio Theatre, Limassol. 7pm. www.celebritygala.eu/lovedance
Nostalgia Parties x disclosure
Party with DJs playing New York House, Acid, Detroit Techno and electronic music. February 14. Mason Bar, Limassol. Presale €7, at the door €10. Tel: 99-211280
Panos Mouzourakis In Love
Valentine’s Day concert with Greek singer. February 14. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. www.ticketmaster.cy
Retro Night
Party with the Time Surfers band and DJ Claudio. Raising funds for Voice for Autism. February 14. Antonakis Music Hall, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €10. Tel: 99-566485. www.ticketmaster.cy
Okusiima
Charity photography exhibition to raise funds for Bufuka Primary School in Uganda. February 15. Limassol Municipal Arts Centre – Papadakis Warehouses, Limassol. 6pm-9pm
Home
Theatrical performance. February 15. Markideio Theatre, Paphos. 6pm. In Russian. www.soldoutticketbox.com
Candlelit Love Concerts
The Italian Tenors in Cyprus. February 16. Nicosia Municipal Theatre. 8.30pm. www.soldoutticketbox.com
The Johann Strauss Operetta Gala
Concert with esteemed international musicians to mark Bicentenary of the birth of Johann Strauss. February 16. Pattihio Municipal Theatre, Limassol. 8.30pm.
Almond Blossoms and the Bee Travels
Day event for the whole family. February 16. Kato Drys Bee & Embroidery Museum, Larnaca district. 10am-4pm. Free
Not Another Valentine’s
Comedy show and drag show with PHNX, Lynn Dynasty and Giorgos Kyriakou. February 16. Savino Live, Larnaca. 6pm. €13. 16+. Tel: 24-620861, 99-426011
