We are knee deep in carnival preparations in Limassol and being Limassolian, we take pride in the whole shenanigan. Tomorrow, on ‘Tsiknopempti’ also known as ‘Fat Thursday’, ‘Shrove Tuesday’ or Mardi Gras, an infectious, light heartedness seeps into the hearts of the townsfolk. It is the day which heralds the onset of the 10 day carnival period.
Even though we are still in the midst of winter, the revelry begins as people unite in social merriment. Frivolity and fun are paramount. Meat being barbequed intoxicates the air, music blares from massive speakers temporarily placed in the streets and gigantic carnival caricatures line the pavements lifting peoples spirits. Children can’t contain their excitement in choosing their carnival costumes (as if Christmas wasn’t enough). And funnily, I am really looking forward to it too this year.
Difficult not to be, I guess, when your group of friends are carnival fanatics. Year after year, they get more creative and out do the previous year. I think the older we get, the uninhibited we become. My mobile has been on fire, chats beeping, and ideas for party costumes still flowing in, so with different adult events lined up over the next few days, we are ready to paint the town red.
Due to my 3rd being in his last year of nursery school, I decided I would make him a part of the parade like I had done with my older 2 and take part in the float organized by his nursery Kokkini Klosti. I had taken a back seat for a couple of years after the others had left nursery. I am not a true lover of carnival. It was Christos and Nayia who infected me with the carnival enthusiasm. And here I go again with Alexis. Truth be told, after the constant flu hitting us and making us housebound we are all looking forward to having a bit of fun!
We have chosen to be toy soldiers this year. The children’s parade is on Sunday and my Alexis is counting the days. Party poppers, streamers, foam, confetti have been bought and are ready waiting for us all to show off!
So, if you haven’t got into carnival mode yet, now is your chance. Make the most of these 10 days. Go and watch the spectacular parade if you are not taking part or find a way to join in at the last minute. Bars are open and whether in costume or not, are beckoning for you to join their carnival parties till the early hours of the morning.
Limassol is the place to be guys so make your way down to these streets for some carnival madness.
