The Orange Festival was the most famous festival of joy for young and old that was held in the city of Famagusta. Famagusta was famous for its oranges, since large orchards, rich in citrus fruits, spread around the city, which is why it is called the city of Orange.
The inscription at the entrance to the city during the days of the Orange Festival
Every April was the period when there were many oranges, so this celebration was held at that time, which lasted 4 days. At the same time, the entire city changed its appearance, public spaces were decorated with real or fake oranges and orange flags. Various artistic events were held in this festival of joy. Specifically, beauty pageants were held where the Orange Queen was crowned, parades of orange floats were held and dances were held in various hotels where thousands of locals and foreigners happily watched the orange festival.
The Greek High School and the park decorated with oranges
The Orange Festival was a magnificent celebration for our city, the epicenter of the celebrations being the Public Garden, in the propylaea of the Greek High School. Our garden with its fountains was dressed and decorated with oranges, while next to the GSE stadium, a crowd of people gathered to watch the parade of chariots.
Parade of floats during the Orange Festival at GSE
Historically, the orange festival, as its originator, the agronomist Andreas Panaretos, called it, was first organized on January 15, 1935, to be interrupted during the Second World War in 1940. With the end of the War, the festival was established to be held every April and was a four-day celebration. Famagusta was at its peak. Essentially, our beautiful city was changing its appearance completely. Public spaces were decorated with oranges, while at the entrance to Famagusta, on the new Famagusta-Nicosia road, the sign "WELCOME TO THE CITY OF ORANGE" dominated.
Parade of hiking groups during the Orange Festival
Postcard of the time for the Orange Festival
The organizer of this great celebration of Famagusta is the Municipality of Famagusta, which a few years ago revived it in the refugee area. Of course, in the years of Varos before 1974, there was intense activity and participation from almost all the Associations and Organized Bodies of the City.
It is noted that the Orange Festival is being revived by the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Municipality of Famagusta in the Municipal District of Ayia Napa, on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
This is yet another initiative, following the temporary hosting of the Famagusta Municipal Art Gallery at the THALASSA Municipal Museum, which highlights the long-standing cooperation between the two Municipalities and strengthens the common vision for preserving the historical memory and cultural heritage of Famagusta while honoring its history and traditions.
The program begins at 17:30 with a parade of floats, which will start from the Ayia Napa Harbor and end at the "THALASSA" Municipal Museum, bringing the festive atmosphere to the streets of the city.
Afterwards, at 18:30, the main event will take place at the Amphitheater of the Municipal Museum "THALASSA", which will last until 20:00 and will include an artistic program inspired by the tradition and cultural identity of Famagusta.
As part of the event, the "THALASSA" Municipal Museum will host, from 02 to 30 May 2026, the ceramics exhibition of the members of the Pancyprian Association of Potters and Ceramists entitled "Scents of Famagusta", highlighting through art memories and images of the city.
Source: MUNICIPALITY OF FAMAGUSTA
