DRINKING WINE BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER
LIMASSOL’S PREMIER ANNUAL EVENT
A VIBRANT CELEBRATION OF CYPRIOT WINE CULTUREÂ
The Limassol Wine Festival is a vibrant annual celebration. Its the biggest wine event held in Cyprus and celebrates the viticulture that arises fromof the island’s grape harvest. The festival holds a distinguished special place in the cultural calendar of Cyprus. The event that also has some deep-rooted traditions is held in the Municipal Public Gardens of Limassol. This setting provides a beautiful and centrally accessible location for the event. Wine making on the island has existed for centuries and it has contributed greatly to many facets of Cypriot culture and history. The Limassol district as a whole has always had an affiliation with wine and boasts some of the main wine villages of Cyprus within its borders. The festival pays homage to these villages, as well as the island’s rich winemaking heritage. The event also fosters a sense of community through the shared love of Cypriot wines and spirits. Ultimately, the festival attracts people from all over the island, offering a unique opportunity to experience the rich traditions of Cypriot winemaking. Â
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
The sun was just setting as I approached the festival grounds. Queues at the main entrance were already forming and the aroma of sizzling barbecued meat wafted through the air. This instantly got my attention as I paid the minimal charge for an entry that gave me a free wine entitlement. Upon entering the festival, I was greeted by some colourful banners and decorations. These adorned not only the main entrance but the façade surrounding it. The huge statue of the traditional ‘winemaker’, as always was attracting all of the attention. Several people were milling around it, busily taking photos. All of the island’s wine producers were on display, featuring a myriad of wine stalls with a variety of local wines. Each seating area, mainly by busy restaurants, had local musicians playing live music in the background. There were also a number of other stalls selling local crafts and delicacies.Â
A DIVERSITY OF WINES
The diversity of wines available was astounding. They included a huge range of sweet dessert wines to some robust reds, refreshing rosés and crisp whites. After much deliberation, I decided to start my wine-tasting journey with a small glass of Commandaria. This famous Cypriot dessert wine, known for its rich flavour and historical significance, came to prominance when the Crusaders ruled the island. The wine allowed me to savour the sweet notes of dried fruits and mellow honey that prompted me to purchase a bottle to take home., along with a beautifully hand-crafted wine corkscrew. As I waded through the crowd I came across some other very knowledgeable vendors. They were eager to share their expertise, providing insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine. I then purchased some ornate empty bottles and then had them filled with some traditional village wine on tap. These came in the form of several barrels that lined my path. I was advised to add water to the wine before drinking, as it was very strong!
TRADITIONAL MUSIC & DANCES
In addition to wine tasting, the festival offered a plethora of activities. These featured several examples of authentic Cypriot culture. The island’s rich heritage was being expressed with several performances of traditional music and dance that captivated the audience. I was particularly drawn to a group of dancers performing a lively traditional Cypriot dance known as the ‘Syrtos’. Their vibrant costumes and energetic movements created an infectious atmosphere. This encouraged some festivalgoers to join in the fun. I also found myself swept up in the rhythm, dancing alongside locals and fellow visitors. This truly created a sense of camaraderie that transcended both language and culture.
A FULFILLING CULINARY EXPERIENCE
As I continued to explore the festival, I stumbled upon a cooking demonstration. The demonstation featured traditional Cypriot dishes. The chef expertly prepared dishes such as moussaka and souvlaki. The chef emphasised to the crowd that he only used fresh, local ingredients. The tantalising aromas that filled the air, made my mouth water in anticipation of the food. After the demonstration, I had the opportunity to sample some of the dishes. They were bursting with Cypriot flavours and I had no problem pairing the food with a glass of local wine. This enhanced the experience and I gladly found that the flavours complemented each other beautifully.
WINE WORKSHOPS
I was allowed to participate in a wine-making workshop. Led by a local winemaker, the workshop provided a hands-on experience of the winemaking process. I learned about the different grape varieties grown in Cyprus and the techniques used to produce high-quality wines. The winemaker guided the group through the steps of crushing grapes, fermenting the juice, and ageing the wine in barrels. It was fascinating to see the passion and dedication that goes into each bottle of wine. This allowed me to gain a newfound appreciation for the craft.
A GREAT ATMOSPHERE
I found a cosy spot on a bench and as I sat back relaxing, I had a chance to soak in the atmosphere. As I began to reflect on the evening’s experience, the sense of community was palpable. I could easily see several strangers sharing stories and laughter over glasses of wine and they seemed united by the joy of the festival. The atmosphere during the festivities was lively and music was constantly playing in the background and as the evening set in, the festival transformed into a magical setting filled with twinkling lights, giving the surroundings a real festive ambience. The laughter echoing among the crowd and the sound of clinking glasses just above the light conversation, along with the distant music made it an evening to savour. Â
A REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE
My visit to the Limassol Wine Festival was a remarkable experience that created some welcome memories. The souvenirs that I took away with me would definitely serve as a reminder of the wonderful memories created during the festival. I also left the festival with a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking. The Cypriot culture and traditions, along with the delightful wine tasting, the engaging performances, and hands-on workshops, had filled me with both great joy and discovery. I also found that the festival had successfully fostered a sense of community and connection amongst all of its visitors. All in all, my visit to the festival was an unforgettable experience. It was filled with several delightful flavours and engaging activities and I am eagerly anticipating my visit next year to this enchanting celebration.
The oldest running summer festival in Cyprus celebrates the grape harvest and the Greek tradition of Dionysis, the Greek god of wine
The festival will feature
Wine exhibitors: Local wine exhibitors will be on display.
Food: Local dishes will be available.
Cultural events: The festival will include traditional folklore, dances, and songs.
Children’s area: There will be games, rides, and other activities.
Main performances: The festival will include concerts, theatre performances, and magic shows.
THE LIMASSOL WINE FESTIVAL
The 8 most common questions asked
1. When does the Limassol Wine Festival take place?
The Limassol Wine Festival takes place annually usually during September.
2. Where is the festival held?
The festival is held in the Limassol Municipal Gardens, located in the heart of Limassol, just off of the coastal road.
3. Is the festival suitable for children?
The festival is family-friendly and offers a dedicated kids’ area with various activities to keep children entertained.
4. Where can tickets be purchased?
Tickets can be purchased at the festival entrance and it is recommended to arrive early to avoid long queues.
5. Is there free wine available at the festival?
Free wine is readily available for all ticket holders at the festival and special souvenir bottles and glasses are available for purchase to carry the wine home or drink it on the spot.
6. Are there vegetarian/vegan food options available?
The festival offers a wide range of food options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
7. Is there parking available at the festival?
There are designated parking areas near the festival grounds, but it is advisable to use public transport to avoid traffic and parking difficulties. The Intercity bus and the local bus 30 both service the Limassol Municipal Gardens.
8. Is there any accommodation nearby?
There are a range of hotels, apartments and hostels within walking distance or a short drive from the festival grounds.
INTERCITY BUS INTO LIMASSOL OR LOCAL BUS 30 TO THE LIMASSOL MUNICIPAL GARDENS
