The queens of medieval Cyprus, the legends of the island and the cultures that shaped its historical identity are at the heart of the 21st Ayia Napa Medieval Festival, which is organized by the Ayia Napa Municipality from 14 to 18 October 2026, at the Square of the “Georgos Seferis” Cultural Center and in the surrounding area of the Medieval Monastery. With the thematic axis “Ayia Napa: The Crown of the Mediterranean”, the event connects historical memory with contemporary artistic expression, offering five evenings of spectacle, music and creative participation.
This year’s theme highlights the women who wore, claimed or symbolized the crown of medieval Cyprus, illuminating their political, diplomatic and cultural presence. Figures such as Alice of Campania, Eleanor of Aragon, Helen Palaeologina, Charlotte of Cyprus and Catherine Cornaro inspire an artistic narrative in which history meets legend. At the same time, Frankish, Byzantine, Latin and Venetian influences highlight Cyprus as a meeting place of East and West.
International artistic groups from Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Belarus transform the streets and the square into an open stage. The program highlights the spectacular flag-raising displays of the Gruppo Storico Fivizzano, the oversized walking spectacle “Cromosauro”, the royal musical and dance show “Reinas”, the fairy-tale figures of “The White Horses”, “Fantasy World” and “Voyage Fantastique”, as well as the fire spectacle “Steam Show”. The performances will take place in three locations around the square and the Monastery, bringing the artists into direct contact with the audience.
On Wednesday, October 14, the events begin at 19:00, with international parades from Makariou Avenue. The official part of the opening night includes, at 20:30, greetings from the Deputy Mayor of the Ayia Napa Municipal District, Mr. Antonis Christos, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, and the Minister of Interior, Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou. At 21:00, Ria Ellinidou takes the stage with a program of personal hits and favorite folk songs.
On Thursday, October 15, at 21:00 PM, the musical, dance and theatrical performance “The Heritage of Tradition in Kokkinochoria”, by the dance group and the theatrical department of the “Kimon” Gymnasium Association of Xylotympos, highlights the intangible cultural heritage of the region through dances, songs, dialectical poetry and narratives of folk memory. On Friday, October 16, at 21:00 PM, Petros and Michalis Kouloumis meet Maria Anamaterou in the musical performance “Cyprus – Cyclades: A Sea of Songs”, connecting the musical traditions of the two places.
The main event is the Medieval Parade on Saturday, October 17, at 19:00 PM, which will cross Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, from the roundabout at Limanaki to the Medieval Monastery. Queens, knights, mythical creatures, musicians and dancers will compose an impressive procession, with the participation of international artistic groups, schools, cultural groups and local ensembles.
The presence of organizations from Ayia Napa, Sotira, Liopetri, Avgorou and Achna highlights the collective participation and cultural wealth of the unified Municipality. At 21:00, Giota Nega presents the concert "Tributes", with the participation of Paris Paraschos and Lefteris Pitsillidis and the accompaniment of the "ORFEAS" Musical Group of the "Panikos Hatzihambis" Foundation.
The program is enriched with exhibitions of ceramics, paintings and historical interest, presentations of traditional blacksmithing and experiential pottery workshops. The exhibition "The Myths of Cyprus", produced by the Press and Information Office, which is hosted by the Cultural Academy "Agios Epiphanios" in the museum spaces of the Medieval Monastery and will remain open until November 8, 2026, stands out.
For children, the Children's Corner will operate every evening, from 19:00 to 22:00, with shadow play, medieval fairy tale retellings, creative constructions and a search for the hidden treasure of Rigana. Kiosks of Cypriot handicrafts and traditional products complete the experience of the event.
The Festival concludes on Sunday, October 18, with the closing ceremony at 20:30 and a grand thematic finale of international artistic groups until 23:00.
Through the connection of cultural heritage with international creation and the participation of the local community, the 21st Medieval Festival enhances the cultural identity of Ayia Napa and enriches the experience of residents and visitors during the autumn period.
The entrance is free.
Information: 23 816330, 23 816356, 23 816342 | info@agianapa.org.cy
