Every October, one of Cyprus’ most famous summer hotspots transforms into a medieval ground where knights, flag-bearers, fire dancers and folk musicians stomp its streets. The Ayia Napa Medieval Festival returns once again, from October 14 to 18, for four days of parades, concerts, exhibitions and activities.

This year’s theme Ayia Napa: The Crown of the Mediterranean highlights the women who wore, claimed or symbolised the crown of medieval Cyprus, shedding light on their political, diplomatic and cultural presence.

Figures such as Alice of Champagne, Eleanor of Aragon, Helena Palaiologina, Charlotte of Cyprus and Catherine Cornaro inspire the festival’s artistic narrative in which history meets legend. At the same time, Frankish, Byzantine, Latin and Venetian influences showcase Cyprus as a meeting point between East and West.

International artistic groups from Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Belarus will transform the streets and square into an open-air stage. Highlights of the programme include the spectacular flag-waving performances of Gruppo Storico Fivizzano, the giant walking spectacle Cromosauro, the royal musical and dance performance Reinas, the fairytale characters of The White Horses, Fantasy World and Voyage Fantastique, as well as the fire spectacle Steam Show.

Performances will take place at three locations around the square and monastery, bringing artists into direct contact with the audience, and with free entry. Street parades with marching bands, drums, fires and late-night concerts will bring a medieval flair to central Ayia Napa, celebrating this annual festival.

Ayia Napa Medieval Festival

Annual festival with street performances, workshops and concerts by local and international artists. October 14-18. Giorgos Seferis Cultural Centre Square, Ayia Napa. Tel: 23-816330, 23-816356, 23-816342. www.agianapa.org.cy