24th Pafos Aphrodite Festival to feature L'Elisir d'Amore in September

The 24th annual Pafos Aphrodite Festival is set to take place on 4 and 5 September 2026, transforming the Medieval Castle Square in Pafos into an open-air opera venue. The event attracts thousands of opera enthusiasts from Cyprus and abroad, reinforcing its position as a major Mediterranean cultural highlight.

This year’s edition will feature Gaetano Donizetti’s 1832 comic masterpiece, L'Elisir d'Amore (The Elixir of Love). The production is a collaboration between the Cyprus-based festival and the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet “Alexander Spendiaryan”. The narrative focuses on the character Nemorino and his pursuit of Adina’s affection through the use of a purported love potion, emphasizing themes of sincerity and human emotion over miracles.

The opera is internationally renowned for its inclusion of the celebrated aria Una furtiva lagrima. Organizers highlight the work's enduring popularity and its blend of romance and humor, which has captivated global audiences since the early 19th century. Preparations for the performances are currently in their final month.