Cyprus observes several public holidays throughout the year, both national and religious. Here’s a list of the main public holidays in Cyprus:
National Public Holidays:
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Celebrating the start of the new year.
- Green Monday (Date varies, typically in February or March)
- Marks the beginning of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church, celebrated with outdoor gatherings and vegetarian meals.
- Easter Sunday (Date varies, usually in April)
- A significant religious holiday for Greek Cypriots, marking the resurrection of Jesus.
- Labour Day (May 1)
- A celebration of workers’ rights.
- Cyprus Independence Day (October 1)
- Commemorates Cyprus’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960.
- Ochi Day (October 28)
- A national day celebrating Cyprus’s participation in the Greek resistance against Axis powers during World War II.
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Boxing Day (December 26)
- A holiday following Christmas.
Religious Holidays:
- Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (March 25)
- Celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church, this holiday commemorates the announcement of the Virgin Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus.
- Good Friday (Date varies, part of the Easter period)
- Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Easter Monday (Date varies, part of the Easter period)
- The day after Easter Sunday, marking the continuation of Easter celebrations.
- Assumption Day (August 15)
- A religious feast day honoring the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
Other Notable Observances:
- Saint Barnabas Day (June 11) – Commemorates Saint Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus.
- Holy Spirit Day (Monday after Pentecost) – Celebrated by the Orthodox Church.
These holidays can sometimes vary slightly depending on the year and whether they fall on weekends or weekdays. Many businesses, government offices, and public services may be closed on these dates.
