Nicosia: Nicosia’s historic centre and neighbourhoods come alive through the Make Music Cyprus Festival 2026, which is being held in the capital for the eighth time. This year’s event expands the palette of musical genres with the participation of over 500 artists, making Cyprus the second country in the world this year with the largest participation of artists.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos noted that this year marks the first time the festival is a three-day event, expanding from a one-day format in previous years. It is also the first time that the festival embraces the entire Nicosia Municipality.
The musical activities commenced on Friday in the old town of Agios Dometios and continued on Saturday in Aglantzia and Egkomi. On Sunday, the festival returns to the historic Nicosia centre, with an increased number of stages.
“It was a huge success in Agios Dometios. It was the first time the historic centre was so lively for so many hours,” Prountzos remarked, highlighting the diverse age range of attendees who enjoyed the festival.
Prountzos explained that the decision to extend the festival over three days was driven by the municipality’s ongoing effort to spread cultural activities more broadly, a positive aspect of municipal unification. Additionally, high public demand prompted the expansion into various neighbourhoods.
The festival showcases a variety of music genres, including classical, foreign, pop, rock, and Greek modern music. Two symphony orchestras will perform in the Old Town, with events spread across locations like Asclepius, Faneromeni, Old Town Hall Square, Nicosia Town Hall, and Eptanissou.
Maria Petsa, Nicosia Municipality’s Cultural Services Manager, described how the festival creates a scenic walk, with people moving between different musical acts, generating a continuous flow of visitors through various squares. This year, with over 500 participating musicians and thousands of visitors, the festival has expanded into Nicosia’s municipal districts, achieving great success on the first night.
The Mayor also announced plans for a series of summer cultural activities in the capital, beginning with 3D projections at the Davila Promenade. The “Summer Nights” series will soon start, transforming the capital into an open cultural map.
From June to September, squares, neighbourhoods, urban centres, and parks in Nicosia, Egomi, Agios Dometios, and Aglantzia will host a diverse program of events with free admission. Other music festivals and concerts are planned, featuring popular artists such as Lex, which are expected to draw crowds to enjoy summer nights in Nicosia.