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Cyprus National Holiday

Get ready to soak up the sun and dive into delicious cuisine on Cyprus National Holiday - a celebration of all things beautiful in this Mediterranean paradise!

Thursday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 1

OBSERVED INCyprus

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the beautiful island of Cyprus on its National Holiday, which falls on April 1! This special day is also known as Greek Cypriot Day and marks the anniversary of the start of the country's struggle for independence from Britain in 1955. It is a time for Cypriots to come together and honor their rich culture, traditions, and history. From lively parades and traditional dances to delicious feasts and colorful decorations, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about this holiday. So let's join in on the festivities and show our love for this amazing Mediterranean gem!

TIMELINE

Cyprus National Holiday Timeline

Ottoman Rule

Cyprus becomes a part of the Ottoman Empire in 1571, which significantly influences its culture and traditions.

British Administration

Under the Cyprus Convention in 1878, Britain assumes administration of Cyprus from the Ottomans while it's still technically an Ottoman territory.

Becomes British Colony

Cyprus becomes a full British colony following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, sparking a struggle for independence over the following decades.

Independence Struggle Begins

The Greek Cypriot EOKA guerrilla organization begins its armed fight for independence from British rule on April 1, now commemorated as Cyprus National Day.

Gains Independence

Cyprus achieves independence on August 16, after signing the London-Zurich agreement earlier that year; Cyprus National Day continues to honor the struggle for this achievement.

Celebration Tradition

April 1st is officially established as a public holiday in Cyprus, honoring that first uprising and the eventual achievement of the country's independence.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Cyprus National Holiday

Attend a parade

Join in on the celebrations and attend a parade showcasing traditional Cypriot dances, music, and costumes. It's a great way to experience the culture and pride of the country on its national holiday.

ENJOY

Enjoy local cuisine

Indulge in delicious Cypriot food and drinks such as souvlaki, halloumi cheese, and Cypriot wine. You can either cook your own feast or dine out at a traditional restaurant.

DECORATE

Decorate with flags and colors

Get into the spirit of the holiday by decorating your home or workplace with the colors of the Cypriot flag - blue and white. You can also hang up flags or make your own DIY decorations.

LEARN

Learn about Cypriot history and culture

Take some time to learn about the history and culture of Cyprus. You can visit museums, attend cultural events, or read up on the country's rich heritage.

WATCH

Watch a fireworks show

End the day with a bang by watching a spectacular fireworks show. Many cities in Cyprus put on firework displays to celebrate their national holiday, so check your local events calendar for timings and locations.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Cyprus National Holiday

There's always lots of delicious food and drink

No celebration is complete without good food and drinks, and Cyprus National Holiday is no exception. Traditional Cypriot dishes like souvla (grilled meat skewers) and loukoumades (fried honey doughnuts) are served alongside local wines and spirits, making for a feast of national flavors.

It celebrates the independence and cultural heritage of Cyprus

Cyprus National Holiday commemorates the day on which Cyprus gained its independence from British rule in 1960. This holiday is a time for Cypriots to honor their history, traditions, and culture, and to show pride in their country.

It brings people together

On this special day, communities across Cyprus come together to celebrate their national identity. Festivals, parades, and other events are organized to promote unity and solidarity among the citizens of Cyprus.

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