Festivals & Events

Festivals are an exciting feature of life in North Cyprus, including international music festivals such as the annual Bellapais Music Festival in May-June, which brings together classical musicians from around the world. Festivals also play a big part of Turkish Cypriot cultural life: from the Peace and Freedom festival on July 20 to the harvest celebrations of the orange, grape and olive, the people of North Cyprus love to enjoy themselves at these special events with families, friends and visitors to the island.

A whole host of folklore festivals are also held throughout the year in the castle at Girne and the Othello Tower in Gazimagusa. All are accompanied by the vibrant sound of traditional musicians, colourful folk dancing and plenty of delicious home-style cooking.

Festivals in North Cyprus

• March:
  • European Film Festival, Lefkosa, Girne and Gazimagusa
  • Photography & Film Festival, East Mediterranean University, Gazimagusa: http://www.emu.edu.tr/underwaterfestival/eng/index.htm

• April:
  • 23^rd April: National Children’s and Sovereignty Day

• May:

• 19 May: National Youth & Sports Festival
• May-June: International Bellapais Music Festival, Girne, Bellapais - chamber music, chorus music & recitals: http://www.bellapaisfestival.com/
• 22 May-1 June: Gazimagusa Children’s Festival, Gazimagusa

• June:
  • June-July: International Gazimagusa Culture & Arts Festival, Gazimagusa: http://www.magusa.org/
  • Güzelyurt Orange Festival, Güzelyurt

• July:
  • 5-12 July: International Iskele Folk Dancing Festival, Iskele
  • 5-16 July: Iskele Festival, Iskele
  • Lefke Walnut Festival, Lefke
  • International Lefkosa Folk Dancing Festival, Lefkosa
  • International Folk Dances Festival of Gönyeli

• August:
  • International Cyprus Theatre Festival, Lefkosa, Girne and Gazimagusa
  • Grape Festival, Mehmetçik

• September:
  • International North Cyprus Music Festival, Girne Bellapais and Gazimagusa Salamis

• October:
  • Olive Festival, Girne