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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!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1571</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ottoman Rule</div><div class='timeline-text'>Cyprus becomes a part of the Ottoman Empire in 1571, which significantly influences its culture and traditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1878</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Administration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Under the Cyprus Convention in 1878, Britain assumes administration of Cyprus from the Ottomans while it's still technically an Ottoman territory.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1925</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Becomes British Colony</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1955</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Struggle Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Greek Cypriot EOKA guerrilla organization begins its armed fight for independence from British rule on April 1, now commemorated as Cyprus National Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Gains Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Celebration Tradition</div><div class='timeline-text'>April 1st is officially established as a public holiday in Cyprus, honoring that first uprising and the eventual achievement of the country's independence.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Enjoy local cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate with flags and colors</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Cypriot history and culture</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a fireworks show</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the independence and cultural heritage of Cyprus</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>There's always lots of delicious food and drink</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cyprus National Holiday is also known by another name</h3><p class='facts-content'>In addition to being called Cyprus National Holiday, the day is also referred to as 'Cypriot National Day' or 'EOKA Day' in honor of the military organization that led the fight for independence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The holiday is marked by a moment of silence</h3><p class='facts-content'>At 9 a.m., the exact time the EOKA struggle began in 1955, the entire island observes a moment of silence to honor those who fought for Cyprus's independence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The day is celebrated in schools throughout Cyprus</h3><p class='facts-content'>Schools mark Cyprus National Day with special activities and programs to educate students about their country's history and culture, often featuring school-made parades, recitals, and theatrical plays.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Larnaca Castle hosts a special event on Cyprus National Holiday</h3><p class='facts-content'>Every year, a cultural event featuring music and dance performances takes place at the Larnaca Castle, attracting both locals and tourists to celebrate the holiday in this historical setting.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Places of historical significance are visited on this day</h3><p class='facts-content'>On Cyprus National Holiday, many Cypriots pay homage to their nation's history by visiting war memorials, tombs of EOKA fighters, and monuments dedicated to those who fought for independence.</p></div></div>
Cyprus National Holiday is celebrated on April 1st every year. In 2024, it will occur on a Monday.
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