Cyprus

Cyprus : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Public Holidays in Cyprus

Cyprus observes a variety of public holidays that reflect its rich cultural heritage and historical milestones. These holidays often blend religious traditions, national pride, and historical remembrance. Observances include church services, parades, family gatherings, and various festive activities throughout the island.

• New Year's Day

  • Marks the beginning of the calendar year on January 1st.
  • People celebrate with family gatherings and often attend church services.
  • It is a public holiday with most businesses closed.

• Epiphany

  • Celebrated on January 6th, it commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ.
  • Traditions include the blessing of water ceremonies, and in some coastal areas, a cross is thrown into the sea for young men to retrieve.
  • It is a significant religious holiday in Cyprus.

• Green Monday

  • Also known as Clean Monday, it marks the first day of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
  • Falls 48 days before Easter Sunday.
  • Cypriots celebrate with outdoor picnics and eating vegetarian foods, banning meat and dairy.

• Greek Independence Day

  • Celebrated on March 25th, it commemorates Greece’s independence from Ottoman rule.
  • Includes parades and patriotic events, reflecting close cultural ties with Greece.
  • Marked as a national holiday despite Cyprus being independent.

• Cyprus National Day

  • Observed on April 1st, commemorating the start of the anti-colonial struggle against British rule in 1955.
  • Day is marked by ceremonies remembering those who fought for independence.
  • It is a solemn occasion with official events.

• Good Friday

  • Part of the Easter Holy Week, it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
  • Observed with church services and processions.
  • Falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday, date varies yearly.

• Easter Sunday

  • Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  • Traditionally includes church services, family feasts, and festive celebrations.
  • Date varies each year according to the Orthodox calendar.

• Easter Monday

  • The day after Easter Sunday, continuing the celebration.
  • Families often gather for outdoor meals.
  • Also a public holiday with business closures.

• Labor Day

  • Observed on May 1st, it honors workers and their contributions.
  • Includes parades, demonstrations, and various labor-related events.
  • It is widely recognized as a public holiday.

• Whit Monday

  • Celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday.
  • It marks the Christian feast of Pentecost, with religious services and public holidays.
  • Date varies annually based on Easter.

• Assumption Day

  • Observed on August 15th, it commemorates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
  • Features religious ceremonies and festive gatherings.
  • It is a major religious public holiday in Cyprus.

• Cyprus Independence Day

  • Celebrated on October 1st, marking Cyprus’s independence from British rule in 1960.
  • National pride is expressed through parades and official ceremonies.
  • It is a central national holiday with widespread observance.

• Greek National Day

  • Also celebrated on March 25th, overlaps with Greek Independence Day.
  • Emphasizes cultural and historical bonds with Greece.
  • Observed with patriotic events and parades.

• Christmas Day

  • Celebrated on December 25th, marking the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • Traditions include church services, family meals, and gift exchanges.
  • It is a key winter holiday with widespread public and private celebrations.

• Day After Christmas

  • Observed on December 26th, commonly known as Boxing Day in some countries.
  • A public holiday often dedicated to relaxing and visiting extended family.
  • Many businesses remain closed or operate on reduced hours.

Site officiel de référence

• Government of Cyprus - Public Holidays