Greek Independence Day on March 25th in the Republic of Cyprus

On March 25, the Republic of Cyprus celebrates Greek Independence Day—an official public holiday (including banks and government offices). In 2026, the date falls on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Typically, school and municipal parades, flag ceremonies, and wreath-layings take place; public transport often operates on a holiday/Sunday schedule, and some shops may be closed or have reduced hours. If you plan to travel to the city center for a parade or want to combine the day with a walk, plan your transport and parking in advance; for intercity travel, it may be more convenient to rent a car, and if visiting from another city, consider booking a hotel or apartment in advance.

• What is this day about
• When is it celebrated and why March 25
• How it is celebrated in the Republic of Cyprus
• What is open and what is closed
• Practical tips
• Glossary
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is this day about

Greek Independence Day is a commemorative date marking the start of the uprising on March 25, 1821, and the war of liberation that led to the creation of the independent Greek state. In the Republic of Cyprus, the date is observed as a public holiday due to cultural and historical ties with Greece, and because March 25 coincides with the feast of the Annunciation in the Orthodox tradition.

When is it celebrated and why March 25

The date is fixed—March 25 every year. In practice, it is one of the "busy" March holidays in the Republic of Cyprus, so institutional and transport schedules often change during the week surrounding March 25.

How it is celebrated in the Republic of Cyprus

The format of the holiday in the Republic of Cyprus is most often official and "school-based": solemn events in city centers and at monuments, student performances, parades, and flag ceremonies.

What you might see

• School and youth parades (often in the first half of the day);
• Ceremonies at memorials and monuments, wreath-layings;
• Performances by municipal bands and organized groups;
• Streets decorated with flags, especially near schools and in city centers.

Where to find the program for your city

• Municipality website and social media (Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, etc.);
• Announcements from schools and local cultural centers;
• Local media and event posters.

What is open and what is closed

March 25 is an official holiday, so the country's operating mode is usually set to "holiday." Below are practical guidelines, but specific hours depend on the city and the organization.

Practical tips

If you need a bank or government service

• Reschedule your visit to the nearest working day;
• Complete payments and transfers via online banking in advance.

If you want to watch the parade

• Verify the location and time on the municipality's page: programs differ by city;
• Arrive early: parking in the center may be scarce and road closures are likely;
• If you are coming from another city, it may be more convenient to stay overnight near the center: hotels and apartments.

If you are planning a trip around the island

• Allow extra time: traffic in city centers may be heavier in the morning due to events;
• Check bus schedules: they often change on holidays;
• For route flexibility, renting a car can be helpful, and to add a guided walk to your day—check excursions and routes.

Glossary

• Greek Independence Day — A public holiday on March 25, marking the start of the 1821 uprising.
• Annunciation — An Orthodox holiday also celebrated on March 25; church services are common on this day.
• Municipality — The local administration of a city/community that publishes the event program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is March 25 an official public holiday in the Republic of Cyprus?

Yes, March 25 is a state holiday: banks and government offices are generally closed.

What usually happens on this day?

Most commonly—school and municipal parades, ceremonies at memorials, flag displays, and thematic events. Times and locations vary by city.

Will shops and restaurants be open?

It depends on the area and the specific business: some shops are closed or have reduced hours, while cafes and restaurants in tourist zones are often open.

Where can I find the exact program for Limassol, Nicosia, or Paphos?

The best source is the municipality: check their website and official social media pages, where they usually publish parade times, road closures, and route maps.