‘Stinky Thursday’ heralds start of Limassol carnival
LIMASSOL Carnival officially started last night with a parade starring King Carnival taking over the streets of the town.
Carnival traditionally begins every ‘Tsiknopempti’ or ‘Stinky Thursday’, so called because the smell of souvla permeates the air.
The festivities will last ten days.
Last night’s parade started at Limassol Town Hall at 7pm and snaked its way along the main streets to the city centre.
This year, the role of King Carnival was given to renowned carnival-participant Artemakis Zachariou, while Ritsa Koutsoudi was crowned the first Carnival Queen.
The pair made their appearance last evening accompanied by fireworks, the Giorgalletoi Kantadoroi, Modern Times Choir, the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra, cheerleaders and the Mayor of Limassol Andreas Christou.
In addition to the annual parade, this year’s carnival will include carnival-themed art exhibitions, carnival music festivals and a return of the ‘Treasure Hunt’ tradition where groups of people will be searching for a treasure hidden in town, by answering riddles and questions on the history of Limassol.
A total of five carnival balls were organised by the Municipality, the first of which took place last night at Heroes Square after the entry of King Carnival into town.
The second ball will take place on Saturday at the Erma Auction House, with free drinks and food, followed by ‘Tuesday’s Dance’ at Heroes Square and the farewell ball on March 1 at the Mediaeval Castle area.
The main parade along Makarios Avenue will take place on Sunday and the children’s parade will be held on 22 February at 11.30am.
Copyright © Cyprus Mail 2009
I hope it will not be raining on Sunday so it will be a good parade 
