What’s on this weekend
Thursday, Friyay and then hoorah, it’s the weekend! And once again, there is plenty to see, do and enjoy as Cyprus’ events season has entered its second peak (the first being the summer). So, if you are wondering what’s on, read on to find a selection of the hottest events coming up.
Just before the weekend arrives, a special Larnaca music concert at Savino Live takes place on Friday evening. Taking over the bar’s stage is the seven-piece Kontovourkis & Co. band, which will shake up the floor with their new songs and Kontovourkis/McCowan originals. Welcoming music lovers from both the Greek and Anglophone music scene, the performance will also include a line-up of golden Greek and Anglo-American hits. The evening’s opening act will be the rising singer-songwriter Alexa Michael and her band, whose single, Crush, drops this November.
Several exciting events are happening on Saturday. One of them is the Sia Chilli Fest, taking place in a Nicosia suburb from 10.30am to 4.30pm with plenty of spicy chilis and bites to try, a chilli content and DJs for a fun day out in nature.
For those eager to get into the festive spirit, the first of many Christmas markets arrives. The Christmas Autumn Market Kivides will kickstart the season this weekend, with around 100 stalls showcasing their festive creations on Saturday and Sunday. There will be crafty vendors for those wanting to buy their Christmas gifts early, children’s activities, a bouncy castle, mascots, photo corners and a Santa Claus tent.
Also in a festive mood but of a different character, Tonantzin Mexican Restaurant in Nicosia is hosting a La Catrinas parade and fiesta on Saturday to celebrate the Day of the Dead, a big celebration in Mexican culture. The event will include traditional Mexican performances and food and offer insights into the rituals of this heartful holiday.
For music buffs, Sunday holds two exciting events in different corners of the island. Stathis Anninos and his trio along with the Cyprus String Quartet will perform live at Markideio Theatre at 7pm, presenting a repertoire titled Un-Silent Place. Finally, the Nicosia International Festival will present Nama Dama and her Pagan Soul music as she performs on the stage of the Nicosia Municipal Theatre. Also performing on the evening is Alexa Michael, as part of the festival’s 30Under30 initiative. A rich weekend agenda awaits, with something to do all around the island, for all ages.
Kontovourkis & Co.
Seven-piece band performs live. Opening act: Alexa Michael. November 8. Savino Live, Larnaca. 9.30pm. €9.99. Tel: 99-426011, 96-359381
Sia Chilli Fest 2024
Annual spicy festival with food, drink and a chilli contest. November 9. Sia, Nicosia district. 10.30am-4.30pm. Free
Christmas Autumn Market Kivides
Christmas market with over 70 stalls, kids activities and more. November 9-10. Agiou Panteleimonos, Pano Kivides, Limassol district. 11am-5pm. www.facebook.com/kivideschristmasmarket
Día de los Muertos Celebrations
Parade and fiesta with traditional Mexican entertainment, food and drink. November 9. Parade starting point: Eleftheria Square, Nicosia. End: Tonantzin Restaurant, Nicosia. Tel: 99-283660. www.facebook.com/tonantzincy
Un-Silent Place
Concert with the Stathis Anninos Trio and Cyprus String Quartet. November 10. Markideio Theatre, Paphos. 7pm. €10-15. www.soldoutticketbox.com. Tel: 7000-2420
Pagan Soul
Music performance by Nama Dama. Special appearance by Alexa Michael. Part of the Nicosia International Festival 2024. November 10. Nicosia Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. www.soldoutticketbox.com