Public Holidays in Cyprus 2024
Cyprus, an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean, boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by its history and diverse population. Public holidays in Cyprus reflect religious, historical, and cultural significance, offering opportunities for celebration, reflection, and communal gatherings. In this guide, we’ll explore the public holidays in Cyprus for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
National Holidays
New Year’s Day (Πρωτοχρονιά) – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day in Cyprus marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with parties, gatherings, and fireworks displays across the island. Many people make resolutions for the new year and spend time with family and friends.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Cyprus, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Epiphany (Θεοφάνεια) – January 6, 2024
Epiphany, also known as Theophany, commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. In Cyprus, the day is celebrated with religious services and ceremonies, including the Blessing of the Waters, where priests bless bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and the sea.
Days off: Epiphany is not a public holiday in Cyprus, but it is observed by the Orthodox Christian community.
Green Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα) – March 11, 2024
Green Monday, also known as Clean Monday, marks the beginning of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is celebrated with outdoor picnics, kite flying, and the consumption of fasting foods, such as vegetables, seafood, and unleavened bread.
Days off: Green Monday is not a public holiday in Cyprus, but it is widely observed as a day of leisure and outdoor activities.
Greek Independence Day (Εικοστή Πέμπτη Μαρτίου) – March 25, 2024
Greek Independence Day commemorates the start of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. In Cyprus, celebrations include parades, cultural events, and flag-raising ceremonies, highlighting the shared cultural heritage between Greece and Cyprus.
Days off: Greek Independence Day is not a public holiday in Cyprus, but it is observed by the Greek Cypriot community.
Orthodox Good Friday (Μεγάλη Παρασκευή) – April 26, 2024
Orthodox Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a day of mourning and reflection for Orthodox Christians. In Cyprus, churches hold solemn services, and many believers fast and abstain from work.
Days off: Orthodox Good Friday is not a public holiday in Cyprus, but it is observed by the Orthodox Christian community.
Orthodox Easter Monday (Δευτέρα του Πάσχα) – April 29, 2024
Orthodox Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is a time for family gatherings and celebrations. In Cyprus, people attend church services, enjoy festive meals, and participate in traditional Easter activities, such as egg cracking and egg rolling.
Days off: Orthodox Easter Monday is a public holiday in Cyprus, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Labour Day (Εργατική Πρωτομαγιά) – May 1, 2024
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, honors the contributions of workers to society. In Cyprus, it is a day for workers’ rights demonstrations, marches, and celebrations organized by trade unions and labor organizations.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in Cyprus, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Pentecost Monday (Αγίου Πνεύματος) – June 17, 2024
Pentecost Monday, also known as Whit Monday, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. In Cyprus, it is a day for religious services, family gatherings, and outdoor activities.
Days off: Pentecost Monday is a public holiday in Cyprus, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Assumption of Mary (Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου) – August 15, 2024
The Assumption of Mary, also known as the Dormition of the Theotokos, celebrates the Virgin Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven. It is a significant feast day in the Eastern Orthodox Church and is observed with religious services and processions.
Days off: Assumption of Mary is a public holiday in Cyprus, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Independence Day (Επέτειος Ανεξαρτησίας) – October 1, 2024
Independence Day in Cyprus commemorates the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960. It is a national holiday marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural events celebrating Cypriot identity and sovereignty.
Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Cyprus, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Christmas Day (Χριστούγεννα) – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day in Cyprus commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with religious services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. Festive decorations adorn homes, churches, and public spaces, creating a joyful atmosphere across the island.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Cyprus, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Cyprus 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
| Epiphany | Jan 6 | Commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ | Orthodox Christian community |
| Green Monday | Mar 11 | Marks the beginning of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church | Orthodox Christian community |
| Greek Independence Day | Mar 25 | Commemorates the start of the Greek War of Independence | Greek Cypriot community |
| Orthodox Good Friday | Apr 26 | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Orthodox Christian community |
| Orthodox Easter Monday | Apr 29 | Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Honors the contributions of workers to society | Nationwide |
| Pentecost Monday | Jun 17 | Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit | Nationwide |
| Assumption of Mary | Aug 15 | Commemorates the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven | Nationwide |
| Independence Day | Oct 1 | Commemorates Cyprus’ independence from British rule | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |