Celebrate Spring Carnival in Cyprus
The Limassol (or Lemesos) Carnival takes place every year at the start of Lent, this year from 4-14 February. Enjoy the warm weather that arrives early in the year to Cyprus and stay at the über-cool award-winning Londa Hotel where chic Italian design meets legendary Cypriot hospitality.
Carnival is a great chance to enjoy the island at its best, surrounded by early spring flowers and high-spirited festivities.
The Carnival celebrations in Limassol date back hundreds of years, originating from Greek mythology and the Dionysiac festivals. Today the city comes alive for 10 days with parties, parades and music. Streets where festivities take place are elaborately decorated, particularly around the Medieval Castle which was the site of a royal wedding in the Middle Ages between Richard the Lionheart and Berengaria of Navarre.
The Londa is a contemporary classic whose design has been created by an Italian team from Milan who have emphasised the hotel’s stunning aspect by the use of large walls of glass that open to look out across the sea. The hotel boasts a renowned restaurant, the Caprice, and a chic lounge bar that have become the place to be seen in Cyprus (the hip crowd from Nicosia stay here at weekends). During the Carnival, the Londa offers a special package for travellers who want to be close to the festivities and desire stylish luxury accommodation.
Londa Hotel Carnival 2010 special package for two people:
- Four night’s accommodation in a Superior Side View Room, including breakfast
- Dinner at the Londa’s Caprice restaurant
- A hydrotherapy treatment per person in the Londa’s spa
- Taxi transfers to and from airport/hotel in Cyprus
- Total Package price: €790 / £700 (or £350 per person based on two sharing)
- N.B. Flights to Cyprus are available with ba.com, Easyjet.com and CyprusAirways.com
The arrival of the Carnival King heralds the start of celebrations on 4 February, followed by a children’s parade on the first Sunday 7 February, various music shows and finally the Grand Carnival Parade which takes place on the last Sunday (14 February) of the Carnival season.
Serenaders traditionally called ‘Cantadori’, with their melodic guitars and mandolins are the focus of the party. These musicians wander the streets on floats enchanting young and old alike. Fancy-dress parties take place across the city at night, and around the Medieval Castle.
The first week of Carnival is called the Meat Week (Kreatini), as it is the last week for eating meat before Easter. The second week is known as the cheese week (Tyrini), when cheese and other dairy products may be consumed. The Pentecoste, which is the period of 50 days of fasting before Easter, commences with Green Monday right after the end of the Carnival. For this season the Londa offers an attractive buffet for those who follow tradition, comprising of grilled fish, vegetables and a tempting variety of crispy salads.
With just 68 rooms and suites spread across seven floors, the atmosphere at the boutique Londa Hotel is intimate and welcoming. All rooms have five star facilities including Nespresso coffee machines, luxury Molton Brown cosmetics, high speed internet access and cordless phone.
Enjoy early spring sun by the Londa’s striking pool overlooking the Mediterranean. Then get ready for summer in the health and fitness centre with its comprehensive fitness and revitalisation programme with access to the spa and its comprehensive range of treatments plus sauna, steam bath, plunge pool and Jacuzzi. For the more energetic the gym features a range of exercise facilities, including cardiovascular and strength equipment.
For more information visit londahotel.com.
* The Londa was voted Leading Mediterranean Boutique Hotel both in 2008 and 2009, and Cyprus’ Leading Hotel in 2007, both by the World Travel Awards - worldtravelawards.com
