April 1st is celebrated as a national holiday in Cyprus

On Monday, April 1st, Cyprus observes a national holiday—the Day of the Start of the National Liberation Struggle against English colonizers. Today is an official public holiday in the country.

This holiday is marked with church services and solemn events in all cities of the Republic of Cyprus.

In Nicosia, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides participated in the festive liturgy, which began at the Apostle Varnavas Cathedral at 10:00. Congratulations were extended by the President of the Committee of Educational Services, Panayiotis Antoniou.

At 11:00, the President of the Republic, accompanied by ministers, went to the memorials to the detainees, where Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios offered a prayer over the graves of the heroes. The speaker of the parliament, Annita Dimitriou, also attended the liturgy.

At 16:00, Nikos Christodoulides will attend events organized by the Association of Fighters of the Liberation Struggle of 1955-1959 at the Eleftheria Gymnasium.

Solemn liturgies, events, and parades are also held in other cities and settlements of the country.

It is worth noting that 69 years ago on this day, a series of riots, anti-British demonstrations, and clashes between British troops and the civilian population of the island began in Cyprus. The struggle of the Cypriots for freedom ended in 1960 when the island gained independence.

On this day, it is customary to lay flowers at the graves and monuments of the heroes who died for the freedom of Cyprus.

Stores and supermarkets are closed on this day. Only bakeries and small kiosks are open. Shops in shopping centers will also be closed.

Restaurants, cafés, and entertainment venues operate as usual.