Public holiday in Cyprus
Ochi Day in Cyprus
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Ochi Day in Cyprus marks the annual commemoration of Greece’s rejection of an ultimatum in 1940, a date remembered across Cyprus as a nationwide public holiday. It is observed on 28 October.
About Ochi Day in Cyprus
In Cyprus, Ochi Day is a nationwide public holiday that commemorates the Greek refusal to surrender to an Axis ultimatum in 1940. The day has strong historical and cultural meaning in the country because Cyprus shares close linguistic and cultural ties with Greece, so the commemoration is widely recognised beyond the event’s original setting. The holiday falls between the autumn school term and the build-up to the end-of-year period, and it is one of the dates in Cyprus when public commemorations rather than ordinary routines are more visible. Its meaning is primarily civic and historical rather than religious.
History
Ochi Day recalls 28 October 1940, when Greece said “no” to an Italian ultimatum demanding the country allow Axis forces to enter strategic positions. The refusal led into Greece’s entry into the Second World War, and the date later became a day of national remembrance. In Cyprus, the holiday is observed as part of that wider Greek historical memory.
Traditions
The most established tradition associated with Ochi Day in Cyprus is the laying of wreaths at memorials and monuments. Schools commonly mark the day with commemorative activities, and the holiday is often expressed through speeches, flag displays and remembrance-focused ceremonies rather than festive customs.
How Ochi Day is celebrated in Cyprus
Across Cyprus, the day is typically marked by formal commemorations and public remembrance. Ceremonies and school events may take place, and many people use the day to reflect on wartime sacrifice and resistance rather than to celebrate in a festive way.
Interesting facts
The holiday’s name comes from the Greek word “ochi,” meaning “no.” It is observed in Cyprus on the same date as in Greece, which helps explain its strong recognition in Cypriot public life.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 Oct 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.