The 20th Cyprus Rialto World Music Festival
A Celebration of Culture in Limassol
This July, Limassol came alive with rhythm, tradition, and innovation as the Cyprus Rialto World Music Festival marked its 20th anniversary. Held from 9 to 19 July 2025, the festival transformed both the historic Rialto Theatre and the open-air stage at the SEK parking area into hubs of sound and cultural exchange.
Audiences were treated to a diverse line-up blending Cypriot heritage with global influences. Among the highlights was ILAND, a striking performance by Cypriot artist ody icon in collaboration with producer Alejjos and visual artist Diyala Muir. This premiere, created under Rialto’s Associate Artist Residence Scheme, wove together electronic soundscapes, folk songs, spoken word, and animation.
The festival’s biggest draw came on 12 July, when acclaimed singer-songwriter Monika took the stage for a rare all-English acoustic set. Revisiting her early works and reimagining them with new arrangements, Monika delivered one of the most anticipated performances of the summer. Other standout moments included violinist Michalis Kouloumis’s project Cyprus, Beloved of the Mediterranean, the ensemble Hará (Joy) with its genre-spanning mix of jazz, soul, Balkan and Latin influences, and the high-energy performance of Polkar, led by actor-musician Giorgos Papageorgiou. Families also found a place in the programme through the interactive children’s show Let’s Go to Varosia! by the Antama Music Ensemble.
While exact attendance figures were not released, the combination of ticketed indoor concerts and free open-air performances ensured the festival was widely accessible. Crowds filled the theatre and the outdoor square, reaffirming the event’s role as one of Limassol’s signature summer gatherings. For local businesses, from restaurants to cafes, the influx of festival-goers provided a welcome economic boost, while for the city itself, the festival reinforced its growing reputation as a cultural destination. The local authorities' estimation exceeds 5.000 attendees.
Cultural Tourism and Urban Identity
Beyond the music, initiatives like the Cyprus Rialto World Music Festival highlight how culture can shape tourism. By offering experiences that go beyond sun and sea, Limassol positions itself as a city where tradition meets creativity. Such festivals extend the tourist season, diversify the city’s appeal, and foster community pride. They also create valuable opportunities for local and international artists to collaborate, enriching the cultural fabric of the city while attracting visitors who seek authentic and memorable encounters.
As Limassol celebrates two decades of world music at Rialto, the message is clear: cultural events are not just entertainment—they are investments in identity, tourism, and the future of the city.