← Kings & Queens
2019
Queens
Μόνικα Πιερίδου & Μαρία Νικολαΐδη Αφάμη
Monika Pieridou & Maria Nikolaidi Afami
The Queens of Joy and Madness
The portrait is a typographic poster over an AI image, not a photograph of the person.
Why they were chosen
In 2019 the carnival entered a new era: it got its own logo (the lion with streamers and confetti), the official name 'Lemesiano Karnavali' and, for the first time, two women in the leading role. On 22 January 2019 Mayor Nikos Nikolaidis presented the 'well-known Limassol carnival women' Monika Pieridou and Maria Nikolaidi Afami as the Queens of Joy and Madness, to 'carry the carnival spirit' through the 11-day programme. Monika Pieridou, known for her handmade pellomaskes and hats, still runs the Municipality's workshops today.
Who they are
Monika Pieridou: Limassol carnival woman, maker of pellomaskes and handmade hats (workshops at Panos Solomonides with Elena Papadopoulou, 2025); former parliamentary candidate for Limassol. Maria Nikolaidi Afami: well-known carnival woman; possibly leader of the walking group 'Ta aplyta sti fora' (2017) – to be confirmed. Professions/ages not published.
The float and the entrance to the city
The two Queens entered the city on an impressive float with the Mayor, Council and Philharmonic; led the grand parade (103 entries, 20,000+ participants, ~100,000 spectators).
'I declare the carnival open.' (Mayor Nikos Nikolaidis)