Έρμα Στυλιανίδη

Erma Stylianidi

The Queen of the Crisis and of Madness

The portrait is a typographic poster over an AI image, not a photograph of the person.

Why they were chosen

In the year of the bailout memorandum the Municipality decided that, for the first time, a Queen would parade instead of a King. It chose Erma Stylianidi, a lifelong carnival participant since early childhood, from the days when parades were still held at the GSO stadium, 'in recognition of her many years of service'. She had founded groups and activities, ran for five consecutive years a free carnival dance open to all, and since 2014 is the only Cypriot member of the European Federation of Carnival Cities (FECC). Her costume commented on the economic crisis.

Who they are

Antiques dealer from Limassol, also known from TV's 'Cash or Trash'. Grew up next to the GSO stadium where parades and mask contests were held; her parents dressed her for the children's parade from age three and she always chose to be a queen. Volunteer at the Pattichio Historical Archive (donates carnival posters and leaflets), active in the EPSILON Foundation, FECC member since 2014.

The float and the entrance to the city

Illuminated float escorted by drummers, majorettes, Cypriot kantadoroi and the Municipal Philharmonic; crisis-inspired costume. She entered the city 'to remind people they should keep smiling' despite hard times.

'I never saw it as a title, but as a symbol of collective work and love for the Limassol carnival and its people.'

In their own words ↗