The Paphos carnival parade will next month will take place along Poseidonos Avenue, due to ongoing road works in the town centre, according to the municipality cultural services.

The parade usually takes place along Grivas Dighenis Avenue which runs through the town centre while in previous years, it had taken place along Poseidonos Avenue in Kato Paphos.

To promote fairness at this year’s carnival, entrants will also enter a draw to determine their place in the parade.

“In the past, there have been complaints of favouritism among people, with some saying that people who knew people got the best position, close to the front of the parade.”

Participants will have to make an effort, be dressed up and be a reasonable sized group.

The municipality said in an announcement, that it aims to improve the parade, which is already well established, and that the draw among participating teams and floats will be held publicly.

“This year, we aim at better organisation, to banish mediocre participation, to promote fair distribution of places and to avoid discomfort for certain participating groups. In this context, the draw will take place on the basis of age and participation in different sections, as well as  with groups and floats,” it said.

The theme for this year’s carnival has yet to be decided, but the committee is expected to make an announcement next week.

Last year’s King Carnival was themed ‘The Punisher’ and was a satirical dig at the widespread abuse of power and corruption by disgraced officials which had hit the town.

It was reportedly the largest carnival parade in Paphos ever, and even saw the mayor of Yeroskiou dressed as a convict, in a dig at disgraced former mayor, Savvas Vergas, and other corrupt officials.

It is not yet known how many floats or participants will enter this year and King Carnival will enter the town on March 3, signifying the start of the celebrations. He will make his way along Neophytos Nicolaides route at 5pm, ending in the area of Paphos District Court.

On March 6 a children’s treasure hunt will be held in the courtyard of Dimitrion primary school at 10.30 am, and on March 11, the annual Carnival Ball will take place at the Annabelle Hotel.

The Paphos Carnival parade will take place on Saturday, March 12, at 3pm and will travel along Poseidonos Avenue which runs along the seafront, ending at the parking area close to the archaeological park in Kato Paphos.

On Monday, March 14 – Green Monday – the traditional ‘feast’ will take place at the area of Faros (the lighthouse) from 12 noon.

For information, call the Paphos municipality cultural services on 26935523 and 26822218.