Public holiday in Cyprus
Cypriot Independence Day in Cyprus
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Cypriot Independence Day marks Cyprus’s independence from British rule and is a nationwide public holiday on 1 October. It is one of the country’s main civic holidays, centered on the modern state rather than a religious observance.
About Cypriot Independence Day in Cyprus
In Cyprus, Cypriot Independence Day is a national holiday that reflects the island’s status as an independent republic. It is observed across the country and is separate from the older October 28 commemoration marked in nearby Greece; in Cyprus, 1 October is the day associated with state independence and civic identity. The holiday matters mainly as a public, national occasion rather than as a family-centered festival or religious feast.
History
Cyprus became an independent republic in 1960 after the end of British colonial rule. The holiday commemorates that political transition and the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.
Traditions
The holiday is associated with official ceremonies and public expressions of national identity, especially the display of the Cypriot flag. In schools and public institutions, the day is commonly marked with commemorative activities rather than private customs tied to food or religion.
How Cypriot Independence Day is celebrated in Cyprus
The day is usually marked by formal state events and public ceremonies, including official appearances by government representatives. It is also a day when many people focus on national symbols and commemorations connected with the founding of the republic.
Interesting facts
Cypriot Independence Day falls in early autumn, which makes it one of the few fixed-date national holidays in Cyprus outside the peak holiday season. It is observed nationwide, with no regional scope in the supplied calendar data.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 Oct 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.