Public holiday in Cyprus
Dormition of the Theotokos in Cyprus
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Dormition of the Theotokos is a nationwide public holiday in Cyprus on 15 August. It marks one of the major feast days in the Orthodox calendar, with many Cypriots observing it as a religious and summer holiday.
About Dormition of the Theotokos in Cyprus
In Cyprus, Dormition of the Theotokos is observed nationwide and is a public holiday on 15 August. The day is tied to the Orthodox Christian feast of the Dormition of Mary, so it is especially significant in a country where Orthodox Christianity is the largest Christian tradition. It also falls in the middle of the summer holiday season, which makes it a familiar date in the annual calendar for residents and visitors alike.
History
The feast of the Dormition has long been part of Orthodox Christian practice in Cyprus, where the island’s liturgical life follows the Julian-based Orthodox calendar tradition for major religious feasts. Its place as a public holiday reflects the historical prominence of the Orthodox Church in Cypriot society.
Traditions
The day is associated with church attendance, prayers to the Virgin Mary and family observance. In Cyprus, it is also common to see the feast connected with the name day of Mary and related forms of Marian devotion, especially in villages and monasteries with dedications to the Theotokos.
How Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated in Cyprus
Many people attend liturgies or visit churches and monasteries dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Family gatherings and seasonal outings are also common, and because the holiday falls in August, it is often part of a wider period of summer travel and time away from work or school.
Interesting facts
In Cyprus, 15 August is widely known for several major Marian monasteries and churches that draw pilgrims and local visitors for the feast. The holiday is one of the better-known summer public holidays on the Cypriot calendar.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 Aug 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.