Public holiday in Cyprus
Green Monday in Cyprus
Monday, February 23, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Green Monday is a nationwide public holiday in Cyprus that marks the start of Lent in the Orthodox calendar. It is widely associated with outings, fasting foods and family gatherings in the countryside or by the coast.
About Green Monday in Cyprus
In Cyprus, Green Monday is the first day of Orthodox Lent and one of the main spring public holidays. It is observed nationwide and often signals a change in pace after the winter season, with many people planning a day outdoors and an easier meal centered on Lenten foods. The holiday is also linked to the wider run-up to Easter in the Orthodox calendar, so its meaning in Cyprus is both religious and seasonal.
History
The holiday is tied to the Orthodox Christian calendar, which has long shaped public life in Cyprus. Its observance as a public holiday reflects the country’s strong Orthodox tradition and the importance of Lent in Cypriot religious and social life.
Traditions
Cypriot Green Monday meals typically follow Orthodox fasting rules and avoid meat and other rich foods. Common foods include lagana-style bread, olives, vegetables, pulses, tahini, halva and other simple dishes suited to the fast. Many families also take part in kite flying, a custom that has become closely associated with the day in Cyprus.
How Green Monday is celebrated in Cyprus
Today, Green Monday is commonly spent with picnics, day trips and informal meals with family and friends. Parks, beaches and open countryside are popular places to go, and kite flying is a familiar sight in many areas. The day has a relaxed, outdoor character compared with the rest of the workweek.
Interesting facts
Green Monday is the opening day of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, but in Cyprus it also has a strong seasonal feel as a spring outing day. The holiday falls on a Monday, which makes it part of a long weekend for many people when it appears in the calendar.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 Feb 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.