Ντίμης Μαυρόπουλος

Dimis Mavropoulos

Mnimonios (Memorandum) the Great

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

Why they were chosen

In the midst of the crisis the Municipality wanted a King who would satirise it and 'send a message against misery', as Mayor Andreas Christou put it. It chose Dimis Mavropoulos, businessman, Cyprus rally legend and genuine carnival man from a family that lived the Red Cross and Scouts masked balls. As 'Mnimonios the Great' he reversed the role: instead of taking money from his subjects he handed out fake euros. He called his selection 'a life medal'.

Who they are

Born in Limassol on 31 October 1949 (64 when King). Businessman, three decades in London trading Cypriot farm produce; top rally driver (1990 Cyprus Rally winner in an Audi Quattro, 45+ starts). Founded the Cyprus Historic & Classic Motor Museum in Limassol in 2014. In 2016 he organised a charity carnival dance for children with autism. Killed in a boating accident off Cape Greco on 29 August 2026, aged 76.

The float and the entrance to the city

Illuminated float with the Limassol and Ariones kantadoroi, Philharmonic, Girl Guides majorettes, Batucinio and Limassol majorettes; the year's themes were the crisis and hydrocarbons; the King was dressed in euro symbols.

'I had a wonderful time and I feel very proud that my city chose me as the supreme figure of the carnival.'

In their own words ↗