Beautifully compact, easily accessible and truly authentic, Larnaka is Cyprus' oldest soul with a history that dates back 10,000 years, making it the longest continually inhabited region of the island. And with its status as the most centrally positioned city, Larnaka also offers easy access to the island's other regions, making it the ideal destination for a Cyprus holiday. 

Whilst the region is rich in the ancient culture of hundreds of years of contrasting civilisations and architecture, Larnaka is also a thriving and modern European city that offers the best of all worlds. A characteristic feature is that tourists will find that there is no distinction between resort and town; locals and visitors alike can enjoy the same daily experience of a charming and diverse Mediterranean city. From stretches of varied coastline, a mix of traditional and cosmopolitan establishments and fascinating monuments, Larnaka seamlessly blends its two 'faces'.

Ten communities of the region - Anagyia, Episkopeio, Ergates, Kampia, Kapedes, Pera Oreinis, Politiko, Kato and Pano Deftera, and Psimolofou - unite their forces to host the 19th Mediterranean Folklore Dance, Choir and Traditional Band Festival n the majestic grounds of the Holy Metropolis of Tamassos. At the heart of the area stands the renowned “Golden Church”,  a symbol of Byzantine grandeur and spiritual beauty, next to the traditional wooden church. Each village of Tamassos preserves its own unique identity, rich in tradition, hospitality, and authenticity, forming a vibrant mosaic of culture.

Anagyia stands out for its warm hospitality and authentic Cypriot flavors, while Episkopeio impresses with its ancient monuments and beautiful landscapes. Ergates is a lively village rich in cultural activity, and Kampia captivates visitors with its stone-built houses and deep roots in Cypriot tradition. Kapedes, with their artistic spirit and natural beauty, complete the picture along with Pera Oreinis, known for its local customs and welcoming village squares. Politiko is distinguished by its significant history and strong cultural character, while Kato and Pano Deftera form twin communities that harmoniously blend tradition with modern life. Finally, Psimolofou, full of authenticity, keeps alive the spirit and values of the Cypriot countryside.

Come and experience the magic of the Mediterranean with us through the rhythm, the music, and the joy of Cypriot tradition.

• Golden Sun and Sparkling Sea - Diving at the Zinovia ship wreck, Water activities at the beach and boat parties.
• Food and Wine - wine tasting and traditional specialties and delicacies.
• Rich Culture and Religion - Awarded Museums, Monuments, Galleries and a UNESCO heritage.

About the festival:

The Cultural Heritage Association of Nicosia in cooperation with the Municipality of Larnaka and the Tamassos Community Services Complex, is organising the 19th Mediterranean Folklore Dance, Choir and Traditional Band Festival in Larnaka and Nicosia, from the 10th until the 15th of September 2026.

Groups from countries from all over the world and from Cyprus will be chosen to participate at the festival. Our Festival has been Awarded in 2019 with the EFFE award as one of the 10 best folklore dance festivals in Europe.

This event has become an important institution that promotes mutual interaction and cultural exchange. It is the result of the love and passion of those who cherish traditional dance and heritage, offering people the opportunity to meet, connect, and coexist through the music and dance of different nations.

Terms and conditions for participation:

Folklore dance groups from Mediterranean countries are invited to participate, but we also welcome groups from around the world. Our aim is to give everyone the opportunity to join. If you know someone who might be interested, feel free to share this information with them.

Please note that the festival organizers are not responsible for securing Visas for international participants (outside the EU). Ensure you contact the relevant Embassy well in advance of your travel. We can assist with communication, but visa arrangements must be made by participants themselves.

The organizers are not responsible for transportation costs to and from Cyprus, such as airfare or any additional expenses (e.g., covid testing, if required). Life insurance and medical expenses in Cyprus are the sole responsibility of the travelers and their groups.

Each group can consist of 16 to 60 members, including dancers, choir members, escorts and musicians, without requiring all members to stay in the same hotel apartments. For musical ensembles, the minimum number of members is six (6). We encourage live music performances for dance groups and choirs, rather than pre-recorded tracks. If a group wishes to bring more than 60 participants, please reach out to us to discuss arrangements. We also encourage groups to bring their own traditional choirs and bands whenever possible.

Participants must be 14 years of age or older.

A mandatory requirement for group participation is that they arrive in Cyprus by September 10, 2026, no later than 11:00 p.m., as a performance will take place in Nicosia that same evening.

Groups that, for any reason, cannot arrive within this timeframe are requested to schedule their arrival for the previous day, September 9, 2026. In such cases, they will be required to cover an additional overnight stay at the hotels, costing €35 per person, €45 per person in a double room, and €60 in a single room.

Performances:

During the six days of the festival, a total of five (5) performances will take place. Three (3) of these performances must be different from each other in terms of choreography and costumes for the dance ensembles.
Similarly, choirs and musical groups are required to present different songs and outfits in each appearance.

Participation fee:

• 330 Euro per participant
• 350 Euro per escort

For groups consisting of more than 30 members, the group leader will be a guest of the festival and will not be required to pay a participation fee (30+1).
You are welcome to bring representatives from your country, such as the mayor of your town or a professional journalist, to help promote Cyprus in your region.

Participation fee includes:

• Accommodation is offered in hotel-apartments with options of 1, 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms, as well as in 2- or 3-star hotel rooms, accommodating 3, 4, 5, or 6 people per room.
  • Those wishing to stay in a single or double room will need to cover the additional cost, which amounts to €60 per person per night for a single room and €45 per person per night for a double room.
• Meals provided:
  • Four (4) breakfasts on September 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2026.
  • Five (5) lunches and five (5) dinners served buffet-style daily on September 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, 2026.
• The arrival day is September 10, 2026, no later than 11:00 p.m. On this day, lunch and dinner will be provided. The departure day is September 15, 2026, during which meals are not included
• All groups are requested to schedule their flights to arrive by 12:00 p.m. on September 10. Groups that do not travel together (i.e., members arriving on different flights) will not be picked up by the organizers and will bear full responsibility for their transportation to and from the airport and hotels.

Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form.  
Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.