Public and Religious Holidays in Northern Cyprus

In Northern Cyprus, official public holidays mean days off for government offices, schools, and banks. Fixed dates repeat annually, while religious holidays change: in 2026, Ramazan Bayram falls on March 20–22, 2026, and Kurban Bayram on May 27–30, 2026. On these dates, some services operate on a reduced schedule, so it is better to plan trips, bank visits, and paperwork with the calendar in mind.

• State and National Holidays
• Religious Holidays
• Celebration Features
• Table of Holidays and Days Off in 2026
• Frequently Asked Questions

State and National Holidays

Most official holidays in Northern Cyprus coincide with Turkish ones. They are dedicated to important events in the history of the Republic of Turkey and Northern Cyprus.

• January 1 — New Year's Day
• April 23 — National Sovereignty and Children's Day
• May 1 — Labor Day
• May 19 — Atatürk Commemoration, Youth and Sports Day
• July 20 — Peace and Freedom Day
• August 1 — Social Resistance Day
• August 30 — Victory Day
• October 29 — Republic Day of Turkey
• November 15 — Republic Day (Anniversary of the establishment of the TRNC)

These dates are fixed annually and are accompanied by solemn ceremonies and city events.

Religious Holidays

In addition to state dates, the most important Islamic holidays are celebrated in Northern Cyprus. They do not have a fixed date and shift every year as they are calculated according to the lunar calendar.

• Ramazan Bayram — the festival of breaking the fast, marking the end of the month of Ramadan. In 2026, official holidays fall on March 20–22, 2026.
• Kurban Bayram — the feast of sacrifice. In 2026, official holidays fall on May 27–30, 2026.

On these days, families visit mosques, see relatives, and make donations to those in need. Government offices also close, and the schedules of some services change.

Celebration Features

On public holidays, government offices, banks, and schools are closed. Private businesses often take a break only on the first day of the holiday, especially in tourist areas. Public transport may run on a reduced schedule, while borders and airports remain open.

If you live in Northern Cyprus or are planning a trip, it makes sense to check the religious holiday calendar in advance: they can affect the operation of post offices, medical centers, and certain private services.

Follow updates and the holiday calendar on our Telegram channel — dates of official holidays and event announcements are published there in advance.

Table of Holidays and Days Off in 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Do banks and government offices work on holidays?

On official holidays, banks, schools, and most government institutions in Northern Cyprus are closed.

Do shops and cafes work on holidays?

Private businesses often close only on the first day of the holiday, and in tourist areas, some establishments continue to work on a reduced or normal schedule.

Why are the dates of Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayram) and Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayram) different every year?

These holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar, so their dates in the Gregorian calendar shift annually.

What are the dates of religious holidays in Northern Cyprus in 2026?

In 2026, Ramazan Bayram is March 20–22, 2026, and Kurban Bayram is May 27–30, 2026.

Should I plan a visit to a bank or government service on the eve of a holiday?

Yes, in the days before long weekends, the load on services can be higher, and institutions are closed on the holiday itself.

Do borders and airports close on holidays?

Borders and airports remain open, but some ground services may operate on a modified schedule.

Where can I follow up-to-date dates and holiday announcements?

A convenient option is the official calendar and updates from local sources, as well as our Telegram channel, where holiday dates and event announcements are published.