Independence Day (Cyprus)

Independence Day is a public holiday in Cyprus, and it is observed on October 1 each year. The holiday marks the anniversary of Cyprus's independence from the British in 1960.

Cyprus was conquered by Ottoman in 1571 and was under Ottoman rule until 1878, when the Ottoman Empire was defeated by the Eastern Orthodox coalition led by the Russian Empire. The Ottoman Empire leased Cyprus to the British Empire, and in exchange, the British Empire used it as a military base protecting the Ottoman Empire from the Russian Empire. In 1925, Cyprus declared a British crown colony.

In 1955, the Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston (EOKA) was founded by Greek Cypriot nationalists to end British rule and to unite Cyprus with Greece. The campaign lasted until 1959, when the London and Zürich Agreement was signed between Turkey, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Cyprus.

Cyprus proclaimed independence on August 16, 1960, but the celebration day was moved to October 1.

The following is the list of Independence Day in Cyprus from 2022 to 2026.

Please check more public holidays in Cyprus: