Festivals
North Cyprus has a large festival scene, with more organised every year. Village festivals may play on the particular speciality the village lends its name to, or it may be international music and culture festivals at some of the great historical venues. Festival season runs from March to October.
Village fairs have grown in popularity over the last few years enabling the public to see traditions and culture of Turkish Cypriot life, as well as giving locals a chance to show off their skills and wares including cookery displays, arts and crafts demonstrations, competitions and the ever popular folk dance displays. Buy local products made in their traditional fashion or have a go at making them at the Büyükkonuk Eco-festival.
Festivals are generally organised by the local municipality, with sponsors for some of the larger exhibitions and displays. North Cyprus is also becoming well known for its international musical events, with big names attending events including classical tenors, Turkish pop singers, plus old favourites like Boney M and Bonnie Tyler.
The International Bellapais Music Festival held in the stunning Bellapais Monastery, has featured international classical groups, orchestras and individuals to amaze the crowds. Equally, the International Famagusta Art & Culture Festival is growing in stature with theatre and music events mostly being held at the Salamis Antique theatre. Besides music and village festivals there's also the cinematic and arts festivals of North Cyprus, featuring something for everyone to enjoy.
Some of the festivals available in Northern Cyprus:
Iskele Kite Festival
April
Hundreds of kites take to the sky. It is a colourful event that is popular with both locals and tourists and includes kite-making workshops and other activities for families and children to participate in.
Lefke Date Festival
November
The Tourism Association of Lefke with the support of Municipality is organizing this festival every year in November.
Tepebasi Tulip (Tulipa Cypria), Lapta Festival
March
Tulipa Cypria tulip is under protection in North Cyprus. It can be found at the villages Tepebaşı and Avtepe. So, nature lovers is organizing this event at the village of Tepebaşı, Lapta every year in March and if you're lucky you will see those tulips as well.
Eco Festival of Büykkonuk Village
May & October
The Eco Day Festival is organizing twice in a year by the Eco Tourism Association every year in May and October. The festival promotes traditional Cypriot customs, dishes and specialties.
Bellapais Silk Cocoon Festival
May
Every year in may Green Peace Action Association is organizing this event at the Bellapais where the Monastery can be visited as well. In may villagers are exhibiting their handicrafts made by silk cacoon.
Bellapais International Music Festival
May to June
The traditional North Cyprus International Bellapais Music Festival, internationally known, takes place annually from May to June in the simply beautiful Bellapais Abbey and features classical music performances from local and interntaional musicians.
Famagusta Art and Culture Festival
May to June
Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, and other events that showcase the artistic talents of local and international artists. The festival also features workshops and seminars where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region.
One of the highlights of is the opening ceremony, which takes place at the historic Othello Castle in the heart of Famagusta. The ceremony features traditional music and dance performances, as well as speeches by local officials and dignitaries.
This festival is a great way to experience the vibrant culture and arts scene of North Cyprus.
Lapta Tourism Festival
June
Annual event featuring traditional music and dance performances, sample local cuisine and delicacies, participate in arts and crafts workshops and attend exhibitions and displays showcasing the culture and history of North Cyprus.
Its also features a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors can explore the beautiful coastal landscapes and scenic trails of Lapta, or take a boat trip to explore the nearby coves and beaches.
Güzelyurt Orange Festival
June to July
Known as "Portakal Festivali" in Turkish, this is a popular event held in the town of Güzelyurt, which is known for its citrus groves and orange production and celebrates the citrus harvest in the region.
Includes parades, music and dance performances, exhibitions, competitions, and cultural displays bringing together locals and tourists alike to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and celebrate the region's orange production.
Iskele Traditional Festival
June to July
Municipality of Iskele is organizing this event every year during June-July. It has traditional nature.
Lefke Walnut Festival
June to July
The Tourism Association of Lefke is organizing Walnut Festival every year in June. Villagers are showing their best products of “ceviz macunu” (walnut desert) at the festival.
Girne Art and Culture Festival
August
Municipality of Girne is organizing this event every year in August. There are many traditional activities and concerts during the festival.
Mehmetcik Grape Festival
August
Municipality of Mehmetcik is organizing this event every year in August. Villagers are offering many products from grape at the festival.
Geçitkale Hellim Festival
Aug to Sep
The Municipality of Geçitkale village is organising hellim cheese festival every year in August-September. Villagers are offering their delicious products made from hellim.
Cyprus Theatre Festival
September
Nicosia Municipality is organizing this event annually in September.
Tatlisu Carob Festival
September
The Municipality of Tatlısu village is organizing this event every September. You could taste many product from carob during the festival.
International Kyrenia, Zeytinlik, Templos Olive Festival
October