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Cyprus National Holiday – April 1, 2024

Cyprus National Day takes place on April 1 each year. Unlike Cyprus Independence Day, their National Day honors the beginning of their revolt against the British. It serves as a powerful reminder to the entire nation of their history prior to independence, including the hardships they faced. Today, Cyprus National Day is meant to be a relaxing and enjoyable day. It serves as a symbol of reward and retreat for all citizens, reminding them of their country’s hard-won freedom.

History of Cyprus National Holiday

Despite the fact that Cyprus only gained independence in 1960, it has a rich and long history that dates back 12,000 years when human fossils were discovered. The first known settlement, however, was in a town called Khirokitia, which had a population of 2,000 people at the time. According to historians, these people lived in two-story round stone houses. The settlers, however, vanished for unknown reasons, leaving the island uninhabited for another 2,000 years. The next known settlers were at Sotira, north of Kourion, between 4500 and 4000 B.C.

Signs of civilization were discovered in Cyprus during the Chalcolithic, Bronze, and Middle Bronze Ages. Imported from Crete, Anatolia, Syria, and Egypt, the people practiced craftsmanship in the form of pottery. However, it was during the Late Bronze Age, between 1600 and 1500 B.C., that the population of Cyprus began to grow. The conquest of Egypt by Thutmose III and other international contacts from the Aegean Sea to the Levant and the Nile River delta were responsible for this.

Greek immigration to Cyprus began in 1200, resulting in the establishment of Greek kingdoms across the island. By the first millennium, the Greek language and culture had spread throughout the island. However, it was during British rule that the most formative colonization that shaped Cyprus into the country it is today occurred. According to the British-Turkish Cyprus Convention, Cyprus will be administered by the British government. When the war broke out in 1914, Turkey and Britain became adversaries, and Cyprus was declared a crown colony. Cyprus officially became a British colony in 1925.

The Greek Cypriots began a guerilla war against the British in 1955. Cyprus National Day commemorates this quest for freedom and the restoration of order. The country became an independent nation five years later.

Cyprus National Holiday timeline

1914
British Occupation

Britain annexes Cyprus after more than 300 years of Ottoman rule.

1925
A British Colony

Cyprus officially becomes a British colony.

1955
The Fight for Freedom

Cypriots start a guerilla movement against the British.

1960
An Independent Country

Cyprus officially gains independence.

Cyprus National Holiday FAQs

What is the old name of Cyprus?

Cyprus has been given many names: Akamantis, Aspelia, Kition, and Khettiim, to name a few.

What is the main language in Cyprus?

Greek is spoken by about 80% of the country’s population.

Does it snow in Cyprus?

Cyprus has a sub-tropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. It snows in Troodos mountain in the central part of the island.

Cyprus National Holiday Activities

  1. Cook your favorite Cypriotic food

    Spend Cyprus National Day cooking your favorite Cypritoic foods as a day of relaxation. Enjoy the delicious Mediterranean cuisine that Cyprus has to offer, from the traditional magarina bulli to a sumptuous kleftiko.

  2. Watch historical documentaries

    There is no better way to learn about Cyprus' history than by watching films and documentaries. Several films have been made about the country's rich culture and key events. Enjoy the day with your friends and family while watching these films.

  3. Attend church service

    For the fallen Cypriots during the insurgency, churches usually hold masses and commemoration services. It's a lovely way to spend a relaxing but meaningful day with friends and family.

5 Interesting Facts About Cyprus

  1. Cyprus has the world’s oldest waterfalls

    The world’s oldest waterfalls, dating back from the stone age and Neolithic period, can be found in Cyprus.

  2. Aphrodite's birth

    Aphrodite was said to have been born in the Cypriot town of Latchi.

  3. The world’s oldest wine label

    Cyprus owns the 5000-year-old wine label, Commandaria.

  4. Two types of Cypriots

    Residents of Cyprus are referred to as "Greek Cypriots" or "Turkish Cypriots," depending on where they live.

  5. The map on the flag

    Kosovo and Cyprus are the only two countries in the world with maps on their flags.

Why We Love Cyprus National Holiday

  1. A reminder of the hardships and struggles

    People are more appreciative of rewards when they understand the difficulties that went into obtaining them. National Cyprus Day is observed to remind Cypriots of their country's independence. It boosts patriotism and nationalism among the country's citizens.

  2. We love Cypriotic dishes

    What better way to celebrate National Cyprus Day than by dining on the island's delectable cuisine? Cyprus has one of the best cuisines in the Mediterranean region because it is a melting pot of cultures.

  3. A good time to rest

    On Cyprus National Day, all shops and businesses are closed. It's a day of retreat and relaxation where you can check in with yourself, meditate, and pamper yourself.

Cyprus National Holiday dates

YearDateDay
2024April 1Monday
2025April 1Tuesday
2026April 1Wednesday
2027April 1Thursday
2028April 1Saturday
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