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 2nd country in the world this year with the largest participation of artists.
In statements to CNA, Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos pointed out that this year is the first time that the festival is a three-day event – as it was a one-day event until last year- and it is also the first time that the festival embraces the entire Nicosia Municipality.
The musical activities started on Friday from the old town of Agios Dometios and continued on Saturday in Aglantzia and Egkomi. On Sunday the festival returns to the historic Nicosia centre, which has traditionally been the focus of the festival, with an expanded 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 said, adding that there were so many people of all ages, so many young people, but also seniors who really enjoyed themselves.
He explained that the reasons for organising the festival throughout tree days instead of one were twofold. Firstly, it was a constant endeavour of the municipality to expand the beneficial activities across the board, which – as he noted – is one of the positive aspects of municipal unification. At the same time, he said that the high demand from the people led to placing the festival inside the neighbourhoods, enabling it to take off.
Regarding the types of music presented at the festival, he said that all genres of music are covered, with more classical sounds, foreign music, pop, rock as well as Greek modern music, while two symphony orchestras will participate in the Old Town. The musical events are hosted in various locations, from Asclepius and Faneromeni to the Old Town Hall Square, Nicosia Town Hall and Eptanissou.
A musical walk in Nicosia
Nicosia Municipality’s Cultural Services Manager Maria Petsa described how a beautiful walk is created through the festival, as people move on foot from one point to another, watching different musical acts and creating a continuous flow of visitors from square to square. She said this is the eighth year of the festival, which this year hosts more than 500 participating musicians and thousands of visitors, and has expanded to the municipal districts of Nicosia, with the first night being a great success.
In fact, this year’s event has seen a record number of artists participating, while Cyprus is the second country in the world this year with the highest number of artists participating, she added.
More summer cultural events are on the way
The Mayor also said that the Municipality is planning a series of cultural activities over the summer for the capital, starting with the 3D projections at the Davila Promenade for the entire summer period. He added that the “Summer Nights” will soon start, turning the capital into a big open cultural map.
From June to September, squares, neighbourhoods, urban centres and parks in the Nicosia, Egomi, Agios Dometios and Aglantzia municipal districts will host a diverse programme of events with free admission. Other music festivals and concerts are also planned, featuring big names such as popular singer Lex, which are expected to attract people to enjoy summer nights in Nicosia.