The Mitsikouri International Performing Arts Festival for Children and Young People returns for its third edition from 10 to 18 October 2026, with 14 productions from 11 countries and a rich parallel programme.
Organised by ASSITEJ Cyprus, Mitsikouri is Cyprus’s first international performing arts festival dedicated exclusively to young audiences. Productions from France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Sweden, Luxembourg and Cyprus will be presented in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, while Festival activities will also reach the Famagusta district.
For the first time, Mitsikouri will have a presence across all districts of Cyprus, expanding access to high-quality performing arts for children and young people. The programme spans the entire age range from babies to 18-year-olds and includes theatre, dance, contemporary circus, participatory and inclusive performances, and interdisciplinary work.
A strong emphasis is placed on non-verbal and low-text productions, making the Festival accessible to children and families from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
At the heart of Mitsikouri is the belief that every child should have the opportunity to experience the performing arts, regardless of where they live, their economic or social circumstances, or their individual access needs. This year’s Festival strengthens its accessibility initiatives, its collaborations with schools and its engagement with children from vulnerable or underrepresented groups and from rural and remote communities.
The performances are accompanied by an expanded parallel programme that gives children an active role and creates spaces for exchange between artists, professionals, organisations, schools and communities. It includes creative and choreographic workshops, school activities, a round-table discussion on inclusion and accessibility in the performing arts, professional networking events and “Pitch it!”, an initiative connecting Cypriot artists with the Festival’s international guests.
Through the Mitsikouri Young Ambassadors initiative, children aged 7-15 will attend performances, meet artists and share their views and recommendations with the Festival team. “Have Your Say!” will also invite young audience members to express their impressions and ideas creatively, helping to shape future editions of the Festival.
Mitsikouri aspires to be more than a programme of performances: an open and accessible space for discovery, encounter and participation – a Festival that grows alongside children and listens meaningfully to their voices.
