| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Friday | Jan 06,2023 | Epiphany | National holiday |
| Monday | Feb 27,2023 | Green Monday | National holiday |
| Saturday | Mar 25,2023 | Greek Independence Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Mar 26,2023 | Daylight Saving Time starts | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
| Saturday | Apr 01,2023 | Cyprus National Holiday | National holiday |
| Friday | Apr 14,2023 | Good Friday (Orthodox) | National holiday, Orthodox |
| Saturday | Apr 15,2023 | Holy Saturday (Orthodox) | Observance, Orthodox |
| Sunday | Apr 16,2023 | Easter Sunday (Orthodox) | Observance, Orthodox |
| Monday | Apr 17,2023 | Easter Monday (Orthodox) | National holiday, Orthodox |
| Tuesday | Apr 18,2023 | Orthodox Easter Tuesday (banks only) | Bank holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labour Day/May Day | National holiday |
| Monday | Jun 05,2023 | Orthodox Pentecost Monday | National holiday, Orthodox |
| Tuesday | Aug 15,2023 | Assumption of the Virgin Mary | National holiday |
| Sunday | Oct 01,2023 | Cyprus Independence Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | Oct 28,2023 | Ochi Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Oct 29,2023 | Daylight Saving Time ends | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | Observance |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | Boxing Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Observance |
New Year's Day, celebrated as "Protokhronia" in Cyprus, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year on January 1st. It's a time for people to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with joy and hope. Cyprus comes alive with festivities, parties, and fireworks. Families and friends gather to celebrate, and it's customary to exchange gifts and share traditional dishes like "Vasilopita" (a New Year's cake with a hidden coin). The cultural importance lies in its role as a fresh start, fostering unity, and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.
Epiphany, known as "Theofania" in Cyprus, is celebrated on January 6th. It commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. The main event is the "Blessing of the Waters" ceremony, where a cross is thrown into the sea, and young men dive in to retrieve it. The person who finds the cross is believed to have good luck for the year. Epiphany underscores the religious significance of Christ's baptism and is a culturally important day that reinforces faith and brings communities together.
Green Monday, also called "Clean Monday" or "Kathara Deftera," is the first day of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It usually falls in February or March and marks the beginning of a period of fasting and spiritual reflection. Cypriots celebrate by enjoying vegetarian and vegan meals, outdoor picnics, and flying kites. It's a day to cleanse the body and soul, with the cultural importance lying in its promotion of self-discipline, mindfulness, and the appreciation of nature's beauty.
Greek Independence Day, celebrated on March 25th, commemorates Greece's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Cypriots join the celebration, highlighting the cultural ties between the two nations. Parades, patriotic speeches, and traditional dances are held to honor the Greek War of Independence heroes. This day signifies the shared history and values of Cyprus and Greece, fostering a sense of unity and cultural pride.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) starts in Cyprus in March, shifting the clocks forward by one hour. While not a traditional holiday, it impacts daily life by extending daylight hours during the summer months. It allows for more outdoor activities, energy conservation, and economic benefits. The shift to DST is a practical adjustment that aligns with the global practice of making the most of natural daylight and has cultural importance in promoting a balanced lifestyle.
Cyprus National Holiday, celebrated on April 1st, commemorates the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1959. It's a day of national pride and unity, marked by parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events. It reinforces the cultural importance of Cypriot identity and independence, emphasizing the country's sovereignty and its people's determination to uphold their values and traditions.
Good Friday, observed on the Friday before Orthodox Easter, is a solemn day of mourning and reflection on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Cypriots participate in church processions, carrying the epitaphios (a decorated bier representing Christ's burial) through the streets. The cultural significance of Good Friday lies in its role as a deeply religious observance that brings the community together to remember the sacrifice of Christ and reaffirm their faith.
Holy Saturday, or "Megalo Sabbato," is the day before Orthodox Easter Sunday. It's a day of anticipation and preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The midnight church service, known as the Resurrection Service, is the highlight, where the "Holy Fire" is lit and shared among worshippers. Holy Saturday is a culturally significant day that strengthens the bonds of faith and community, bringing people together to celebrate the central event of Christian belief.
Easter Sunday, known as "Kyriaki tou Pascha," is the most important Christian holiday in Cyprus, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Families attend church services, and the day begins with a traditional greeting, "Christos Anesti" (Christ is risen). After the religious observance, people enjoy festive meals and exchange Easter eggs. The cultural importance of Easter Sunday lies in its significance to the Christian faith and its role in fostering unity and joy within Cypriot communities.
Easter Monday, also known as "Deutera tou Pascha," extends the Easter celebrations. It's a public holiday for Cypriots to relax, visit family, and enjoy outdoor activities. Many people take picnics in the countryside, strengthening family bonds and embracing the beauty of nature. Easter Monday is culturally significant as it promotes family togetherness, relaxation, and the appreciation of the natural landscapes of Cyprus.
Orthodox Easter Tuesday is a bank holiday that provides a day off for banking institutions in Cyprus. While it is not widely celebrated by the general public, it allows employees in the banking sector to enjoy an extended Easter holiday period.
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is known as "Protomagia" in Cyprus. It honors the labor movement and workers' rights. People participate in parades, rallies, and demonstrations to advocate for fair labor practices and social justice. It serves as a reminder of the cultural importance of workers and their contributions to society, emphasizing solidarity and the pursuit of workers' well-being in Cyprus.
Pentecost Monday, known as "Deutera tou Pnevmatos" in Cyprus, is observed 50 days after Orthodox Easter. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Cypriots attend church services and processions to mark this significant event. Pentecost Monday is culturally relevant as it deepens the faith of the Christian community and strengthens their sense of unity and devotion.
The Assumption of the Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15th, honors the belief that Mary was taken into heaven. Cypriots attend church services and participate in processions to commemorate this event. The cultural significance of the Assumption of Mary lies in its role as a Christian holiday that reaffirms the importance of Mary in the faith and fosters a sense of devotion and unity within the Christian community in Cyprus.
Cyprus Independence Day, celebrated on October 1st, marks the day in 1960 when Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule. It's a national holiday filled with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events that celebrate Cypriot identity and sovereignty. The day reinforces the cultural importance of independence, emphasizing the country's history, values, and its people's determination to preserve their heritage and traditions.
Ochi Day, celebrated on October 28th, commemorates Greece's refusal to surrender to Italian forces during World War II. While it is primarily a Greek holiday, Cypriots join in the celebration, reflecting the cultural ties between Cyprus and Greece. Parades, patriotic speeches, and traditional dances honor Greece's resistance. Ochi Day underscores the shared history and values of Cyprus and Greece, fostering a sense of unity and cultural pride.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends in Cyprus in October, shifting the clocks back by one hour. Similar to DST's start, it is not a traditional holiday but affects daily life by adjusting the time to better suit the changing seasons. The return to standard time encourages a more balanced daily routine and is culturally important in promoting efficient use of daylight.
Christmas Eve, known as "Proino tou Christougennou" in Cyprus, is celebrated on December 24th. It's a time for Cypriots to prepare for the Christmas festivities. Many attend church services in the evening, followed by a festive meal with family and friends. Christmas Eve is culturally significant as it marks the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ and strengthens the bonds of family and community.
Christmas Day, known as "Christougenna" in Cyprus, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. It is a deeply religious holiday observed with church services and the exchange of gifts. Families come together to share special meals and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Christmas Day holds great cultural importance in Cyprus as it represents the essence of the Christian faith and fosters unity, joy, and the spirit of giving within communities.
Boxing Day, also known as "Synaxis tou Agiou Stefanou," is celebrated on December 26th. While not a major holiday, it is observed with various activities, including shopping, sports events, and gatherings with friends and family. It is an opportunity for relaxation and leisure, and its cultural importance lies in providing an additional day for people to enjoy the holiday season, extend the festive spirit, and strengthen social bonds.
New Year's Eve, known as "Protovronia" in Cyprus, is celebrated on December 31st, marking the end of the year. It's a night of festivities, parties, and fireworks to welcome the approaching new year. Families and friends gather to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the future. The celebrations promote unity, hope, and cultural traditions, making New Year's Eve a culturally significant occasion that ushers in the promise of a fresh start in Cyprus.
