On this island, as in many countries, free day falls on Sunday. But the peculiarity is that any holiday in Cyprus that falls on a day off is not tolerated. And also on any Saturday it is impossible to make transactions, as the main banking organizations are closed until Monday. Also in Cyprus there are holiday weekdays - this is a special weekend. For instance:
- Green Monday - this day falls on the third week of February.
- Good Friday - day off falls at the end of the first week of April.
- Easter Monday and Tuesday - in Cyprus, the holiday of the same name lasts more than one day, and therefore rest in April longer.
Winter holidays
January 1 - New Year.
This holiday is just as important for Cypriots as it is for all people on the planet. St. Basil's Day is another name for the celebration, which is why a large number of traditions in the state are connected. One of these is that on New Year's Eve a cake called Vasilopitta is baked in every house. The peculiarity is that during baking a coin is put in the dough. According to legend, the one who comes across the coin will be happy all the coming year. Also, the pie is cut not only for those present, but also for Jesus, and for those who could not attend the holiday in Cyprus. Today, tradition also lives in the state.
January 6 - Baptism.
The day is very important for religious people across the planet, Cypriots are no exception. On this day, services are held in Greek Orthodox churches in the morning. Baptism is the only period when the whole Trinity descends to earth: God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
According to legend, on the feast of Light, Jesus was baptized in the waters of the Jordan, so it is customary on this day to cleanse the drink and, bathing, to free the soul. And after the church service, all priests visit residential buildings in the district and rid them of evil spirits.
Holidays in the spring
March 25 - Independence Day of Greece.
Although Cyprus has long been separated from this state, the celebration is celebrated to this day. The holiday appeared in 1821, when there was a liberation revolution against the Turkish invaders. In the morning there are processions of various partnerships, for example, schoolchildren, students and so on. And then there are various competitions in which both athletes and just amateurs take part. The holiday ends with folk dances.
April 1 - The first day of national liberation from the British colonialists.
The holiday dates back to 1955, when the movement of national organizations of Cypriot independence fighters revived in the country. Also on the second Sunday of every April, the famous tulip festival takes place in the beautiful village of Polemi.
May 1 - Day of Labor and Peace.
In almost every country, May Day is celebrated. Each family has its own beliefs, someone believes that it is necessary to clean the whole house on this day, and some, on the contrary, are sure that in no case should you work.
Summer events
Holidays in Cyprus in June are visited by a large number of tourists, and all celebrations are celebrated on a large scale. All this is because the summer in this country is very warm, and the water has a pleasant temperature for the body. The flow of vacationers is growing rapidly with every season.
International fair.
This is the largest exhibition of the state, it lasts as long as 10 days. It presents souvenirs from various parts of the world, as well as international cuisine.
Shakespeare's night.
This is a significant event for Cyprus, because on this day the whole country and the whole world recalls this famous person. The evening ends with a chic performance of one of the performances of the genius of his time - Shakespeare.
July
Beer festival in Limassol.
The famous event, which attracts people from all countries. In addition to the fact that all participants are invited to taste the best types of beer, the city municipality holds theater performances, invites music and theater troupes. According to visitors to the festival, such a delicious beer, as presented in Cyprus, can be found in few places. And here it flows like a river absolutely free.
August
Festival in the city of Larnaca.
Each year, Cyprus hosts one of the hottest events. The exhibition lasts a whole month, and all the famous artists of the state and foreign dancers, singers and actors manage to visit it. This is truly an art festival. It hosts events at the Amphitheater called Pattichion. Also at this time, a flower festival is held in Cyprus.
Village festival.
Summer in a sunny state is full of hot exhibitions, and this event is no exception. The festival lasts for 3 months, until the end of October. It celebrates the name days of various saints, dance battles and various fairs are held. Also invited artists who show various folklore numbers.
Holidays in the fall
October 1 - Independence Day of Cyprus.
On this holiday, the whole state celebrates its disconnection from Greece. Without fail, a military parade takes place in the morning with the latest technology and a procession of various troops. And the banquet in the Presidential Palace and the delightful fireworks end the celebration.
October 28 - Ohi Day
A public holiday in Cyprus, as well as in Greece, is celebrated in memory of 1940. Oh, it means no, that’s what the state said in response to ultimatums from the Nazis.
Christmas
December 24 - Christmas Eve.
As in other Catholic countries, in Cyprus Christmas takes pride of place. Preparations for the celebration begin long before the event. Already in September, people stock up on gifts, and starting in November, stock up on provisions for a chic table. One of the traditions is the purchase of a large number of new things both in the wardrobe and in the house, and old things are thrown away. In the morning, every apartment is filled with the smell of yeast and vanilla, because the housewives begin to bake special curry bread and various cookies. And children at this time go to houses to sing songs, for which they are awarded with sweets and even money. It is also a great day to congratulate those who will not be at a family celebration.
December 25 and 26 - Christmas.
When the forty-day fast is over, the celebration begins. They sit at the table on the night of December 25-26, even small children wait 12 a.m. to quickly unpack the gifts. But the Christmas holidays in Cyprus do not end there, but continue for several more days.
December 26 - Christmas time.
Religious holidays
In Cyprus, unlike the CIS countries, the church is not separated from the state. Therefore, all religious holidays are accompanied by weekends.
Green, or Clean Monday.
This day is the first in Lent, but despite this, it is customary to have fun and go on picnics. Of course, food should not contain meat and dairy products. Vegetarian fasting lasts as long as 50 days; thanks to it, the human soul prepares for a complete cleansing from sins.
Good Friday.
This is the day of the most strictly fasting before the bright holiday of Easter. The whole day is preparing for the celebration. By tradition, lentil soup is prepared with a small amount of acetic acid. This is not an easy dish, as the Cypriots remind us of the torment Jesus experienced during the crucifixion. When he asked for water to quench his thirst, a rag dipped in vinegar was brought to his lips. Therefore, Friday takes place in a calm rhythm, it is not customary to talk too loudly, but you should not be sad, everyone is waiting for the holiday.
Easter in Cyprus
It is one of the most important holidays in the life of believers. For 7 days, Cypriots attend church during morning and evening services. And on Thursday, preparations for the celebration begin, the housewives bake Easter cakes and bread rolls, as well as the famous cheese cake. Holiday in Cyprus does not do without painted eggs.
Holidays in Northern Cyprus
As in sunny Greece, and in the southern part of the country, the calendar of celebrations is full of bright events. Since the northern part was occupied by the Turkish invaders, many holidays in Cyprus moved from the eastern country.
May 19 - Holiday of youth and sports.
The name does not imply tragic thoughts, but the celebration is dedicated to the liberation of cities such as Anatolia and Istanbul during the Turkish War. During the festive ceremony, competitions are held among young people from all over Cyprus. The program includes both the Olympic Games and those invented specifically for this day.
November 15 - Day of the northern part of the country.
Although the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not recognized by most modern states, a celebration in honor of its founding does exist.
During a holiday in a paradise country, you should find out what holiday in Cyprus today, so as not to miss the most striking events.