Public holiday in Cyprus
National Day in Cyprus
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
National Day in Cyprus is observed nationwide on 1 April as a public holiday. It marks the start of the EOKA uprising against British rule in 1955, a central event in modern Cypriot history.
About National Day in Cyprus
In Cyprus, National Day is a nationwide public holiday observed on 1 April. It commemorates the start of the anti-colonial struggle associated with EOKA in 1955 and is distinct from the country’s independence anniversary in October. Because it falls in spring, it is one of the main civic dates in the Cypriot calendar. The day is used to reflect on the island’s modern political history and the people involved in the struggle for self-determination.
History
The holiday refers to 1 April 1955, when the EOKA campaign against British colonial rule began in Cyprus. The date has since been marked as a national commemoration of that struggle and of the wider movement for self-determination on the island.
Traditions
Public commemoration is the main feature of the day. In Cyprus, this typically includes remembrance events and the laying of wreaths at memorials, especially in relation to those connected with the 1955 struggle.
How National Day is celebrated in Cyprus
The holiday is observed across Cyprus with official ceremonies and local commemorations. Many people use the day to attend memorial events or mark the date privately through remembrance and reflection.
Interesting facts
It is a spring public holiday, so it falls well before Cyprus’s independence day on 1 October. The holiday is tied to a specific historical date rather than a movable feast or a seasonal observance.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 Apr 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.