Public holidays and festivals in Cyprus
January 1 New Year’s Day
This day is celebrated a bit like Christmas because the kids get gifts this day as well.
All shops, banks and offices will be closed. Kiosks may stay open.
January 6 Epiphany
The Greek Church celebrates this day to commemorate the Baptism of Christ through worship, followed by a procession to the city’s port. Here a priest throws a cross into the water, young boys and girls dive for. The ritual is repeated thrice. Often on this day it is a little cool and windy, no one envies the brave youths who dives into the cold water.
March 25 Greek National Day
The Greek war of liberation from the Ottoman Empire started on this day in 1821. Most shops, banks and offices will be closed.
Clean Monday - the date varies
Also called Green Monday, Ash Monday or Monday Lent which occurs seven weeks before the Orthodox Easter. Most people have a day off work this day as it is the first day of the fast.
The day is marked with families and friends gathering outside enjoying a feast of vegetables and grilled fish. Since Green Monday coincide with the carnival in Cyprus, most kids and even adults wear funny costumes.
Celebrate easter in Cyprus by the sea?
Easter – date varies
Easter is almost more important than Christmas in Cyprus. On the Friday you can see processions on their way to church and hear the monotonous sound of a drum. When Saturday comes it is finally time for the midnight mass, everyone who is on the way to the church are carrying a candle in their hand. After midnight people break the fast with “avgolemoni”, a chicken soup with egg and rice.
On the Sunday people will gather again to eat souvlaki – barbecue pork, the traditional cheese bread Flaunes and of course eat plenty of Easter eggs which has been coloured green, blue or red.
April 1 Cyprus National Day
The National Organization of Cypriot EOKA liberation struggle was an underground guerilla organization in Cyprus during Georgios Grivas fought against the British colonial rule from 1955 to 1959. The first attack, and signal that the fight began, came in the night of April 1, 1955, when Nicosia and other major cities in Cyprus were bombed. EOKA distributed leaflets signed “Digenis”, which declared war on Cyprus’ freedom. The day is celebrated with historical – and cultural exhibitions.
Most shops, banks and offices will be closed.
May 1 International Workers day
All shops, banks and offices will be closed by law on this day. Even in tourist areas the shops must be closed.
August 15 Mary’s Assumption
According to an early Catholic and Orthodox view, the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven with body and soul on this day. The day is celebrated with ceremonies and church services.
Most shops, banks and offices will be closed.
October 1 Cyprus Independence Day
Cyprus became independent from British rule on 16 August 1960 but has chosen to move the date to October 1 to avoid the heat for the celebrations. The day is celebrated with military parades.
Most shops, banks and offices will be closed.
October 28 Ochi Day
Ochi Day, the “no” day falls on October 28, and is a public holiday with patriotic parades. The day commemorates the Greek Prime Minister Metaxas’ famous response to Mussolini’s request in 1940 that Greece would surrender that was met with an emphatic no (Ochi).
Most shops, banks and offices will be closed.
25 -26 December Christmas Eve and Boxing Day
Cyprus celebrate Christmas on December 25 according to English tradition. People open their presents early in the morning and eat Christmas lunch together with the family. Christmas lunch consists mainly of turkey.
All shops, banks and offices will be closed on those two days. Some kiosks may stay open.
Festivals in Cyprus
The Cypriots are resourceful in terms of festivals and the biggest of all festivals is the yearly carnival in Limassol. The carnival begins in late February and has now spread to the whole island and there is dressing up and carnival atmosphere in every village for about one week.
In May it is time to celebrate spring flowers with a flower festival to be held in most cities.
When the Water Festival begins in June, we know that summer has begun and it is actually too hot to hold any major festivals throughout the summer. But in early September it is time for the Wine Festival in Limassol. Free wine and crazy great atmosphere is the key.
Of course there are many local festivals as well, nearly every village has its own festival. Get information from the local newspapers or the CTO office for current festivals and dates.
