Cyprus Police Issues First-Ever Bill for Carnival Security in Limassol

For the first time in its history, the Cyprus Police has issued an invoice for the cost of providing security during the Limassol Carnival. The security services for this year's festival, which will take place this Sunday, are estimated at €45,000.

This was confirmed by a representative from the Union of Municipalities during a briefing to the House of Representatives' Legal Affairs Committee today. Yannakis Georgiou, the Deputy Police Chief, who was present at the meeting, also confirmed the €45,000 invoice for the security of Sunday’s parade in Limassol.

According to the police chief, this decision was made due to limited funds available to cover overtime for officers. He did not specify whether similar requests for payment would be made for other public events in the future.

The representative from the Union of Municipalities pointed out that this is the first time the police have asked for payment to cover carnival security. This unexpected proposal has sparked questions about who should bear the responsibility for public safety at large-scale events.

As discussions on the matter continue, municipalities are expected to push for clarification on whether this request for payment will become the norm for future large public gatherings.

To remind everyone, the Limassol Carnival, one of the island's most vibrant events, is taking place this year from February 20 to March 2. Around 35,000 people are expected to participate in Cyprus's largest festival.