Planning your year effectively in Cyprus requires knowing the official nationwide public holidays in Cyprus in advance. Whether you’re scheduling business meetings, arranging travel itineraries, or simply organizing family time, understanding these national holidays helps you make the most of your time. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed public holidays recognized across Cyprus in 2026, excluding regional or local observances to give you accurate, actionable information for your planning needs.
Official Public Holidays in Cyprus 2026
Cyprus celebrates fourteen national public holidays throughout 2026, reflecting the island’s rich cultural heritage and Orthodox Christian traditions. These dates are recognized nationwide, meaning most businesses, government offices, and banks remain closed. However, tourist areas may have special arrangements allowing certain retail and service businesses to operate. Here’s the complete calendar of official holidays for the year ahead:
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 6 | Tuesday | Epiphany |
| February 23 | Monday | Green Monday |
| March 25 | Wednesday | Greek Independence Day |
| April 1 | Wednesday | Cyprus National Holiday |
| April 10 | Friday | Good Friday (Orthodox) |
| April 13 | Monday | Easter Monday (Orthodox) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day/May Day |
| June 1 | Monday | Orthodox Pentecost Monday |
| August 15 | Saturday | Assumption of the Virgin Mary |
| October 1 | Thursday | Cyprus Independence Day |
| October 28 | Wednesday | Ochi Day |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day |
Planning Tips for Cyprus Public Holidays 2026
Strategic planning around these public holidays can significantly enhance your productivity and leisure time. Consequently, understanding which dates create extended weekends becomes essential for maximizing your time off. Several holidays in 2026 fall on weekdays, providing excellent opportunities for short breaks when combined with annual leave.
Notable long weekend opportunities include the Easter period, where Good Friday on April 10 and Easter Monday on April 13 bracket the weekend, creating a four-day break. Meanwhile, Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, automatically creating a three-day weekend. Similarly, Christmas Day landing on Friday, December 25, followed by Boxing Day on Saturday, offers a natural extended holiday period to close out the year.
For international travelers visiting Cyprus, these holidays can affect business operations and service availability. Tourist-oriented establishments in popular areas often remain open with special permissions, however government offices, banks, and many retail stores typically close. Therefore, checking current local times around the world helps coordinate communications across different time zones during holiday periods.
When scheduling important deadlines or project milestones, utilizing timer tools for countdowns can help teams stay on track. Moreover, employees working on public holidays are entitled to double their normal hourly rate according to Cypriot labor legislation, making staffing decisions during these periods particularly important for business owners.
Understanding Cyprus Holiday Traditions
Cyprus public holidays reflect the island’s unique position at the crossroads of European and Mediterranean cultures. Orthodox Christian holidays dominate the calendar, including moveable feasts like Easter that shift annually based on the Orthodox liturgical calendar. On the other hand, civic holidays commemorate significant historical events in Greek and Cypriot history, such as Greek Independence Day on March 25 and Cyprus Independence Day on October 1.
Green Monday, celebrated on February 23, marks the beginning of Lent in the Orthodox tradition. This holiday has become synonymous with outdoor celebrations, kite flying, and traditional vegetarian meals. Meanwhile, Ochi Day on October 28 commemorates Greece’s rejection of the Italian ultimatum in 1940, celebrating courage and resistance with parades and school events throughout Cyprus.
Full-time employees in Cyprus receive paid time off for all national public holidays in addition to their annual leave entitlement. Part-time workers receive equivalent holiday benefits proportional to their working hours. These legal protections ensure all workers can observe important cultural and religious traditions without financial hardship.
Workplace and Business Considerations
Understanding how public holidays affect business operations helps both employers and employees maintain smooth workflows throughout the year. Most retail establishments must close on major holidays, although exceptions exist for businesses in designated tourist zones. However, essential services including hospitals, emergency services, and certain transportation options continue operating with modified schedules.
Banks observe all fourteen public holidays, meaning financial transactions requiring bank services should be planned accordingly. This particularly affects payroll processing, international transfers, and time-sensitive financial operations. Consequently, businesses often schedule critical financial activities to avoid holiday periods, ensuring uninterrupted cash flow and operations.
Government offices and public services close completely on national holidays, affecting appointments, permit applications, and administrative procedures. Therefore, scheduling official business well in advance of holiday periods prevents delays and complications. For comprehensive planning resources and deadline tracking, explore our collection of practical guides covering time management and scheduling strategies.
Travel and Tourism During Holiday Periods
Cyprus experiences increased domestic travel during extended holiday weekends as residents take advantage of the pleasant Mediterranean climate. Popular destinations including Troodos Mountains, Paphos, and Ayia Napa see higher visitor numbers during these periods. Accordingly, booking accommodations and transportation well in advance ensures availability and better rates.
International flights to and from Cyprus may have modified schedules during major holidays, particularly around Christmas and Easter. Airlines often add extra capacity to meet demand, while some routes may see reduced frequencies. Checking flight schedules several weeks ahead and arriving at airports with extra time accommodates potential holiday congestion.
Tourist attractions and archaeological sites typically maintain regular opening hours during most public holidays, though Christmas Day and New Year’s Day may see closures or reduced hours. Nevertheless, many cultural sites recognize these holidays as peak visitation periods and staff accordingly. Restaurant reservations become particularly important during holiday periods, as popular establishments fill quickly with both locals and visitors celebrating together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which public holidays are recognized nationwide in Cyprus during 2026?
Cyprus recognizes fourteen official national public holidays in 2026. These include New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Green Monday, Greek Independence Day, Cyprus National Holiday, Orthodox Good Friday, Orthodox Easter Monday, Labour Day, Orthodox Pentecost Monday, Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Cyprus Independence Day, Ochi Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. All these holidays are observed throughout the Republic of Cyprus with most businesses and government offices closed.
Which Cyprus holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays in 2026 create excellent long weekend opportunities. The Easter period provides a four-day break from April 10-13, combining Good Friday and Easter Monday with the weekend. Labour Day on Friday, May 1, creates a natural three-day weekend. Additionally, Christmas falling on Friday, December 25, followed by Boxing Day on Saturday, extends into a longer holiday period perfect for year-end celebrations and family gatherings.
Are Cyprus public holidays subject to change during the year?
Fixed-date holidays like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas remain constant each year. However, Orthodox Christian holidays including Easter and related observances follow the Orthodox liturgical calendar, causing their dates to shift annually. While these moveable feasts are announced well in advance, it’s always wise to verify specific dates closer to the time, particularly when making long-term travel or business arrangements.
Do businesses remain open during public holidays in Cyprus?
Most businesses, government offices, and banks close on national public holidays. However, establishments in designated tourist areas may remain open with special permissions to serve visitors. Essential services including hospitals, emergency services, pharmacies, and some transportation continue operating with modified schedules. Restaurants and entertainment venues in tourist zones often maintain regular hours, recognizing these periods as peak times for hospitality services.
How do public holidays affect employee compensation in Cyprus?
According to Cypriot labor legislation, all full-time and part-time employees receive paid time off for national public holidays in addition to their regular annual leave. Employees required to work on public holidays are entitled to double their normal hourly rate for every hour worked. These protections ensure workers can observe important cultural and religious holidays while maintaining financial stability, reflecting Cyprus’s commitment to work-life balance.
What is the significance of Green Monday in Cyprus?
Green Monday marks the first day of Lent in the Orthodox Christian calendar, celebrated with particular enthusiasm in Cyprus. The holiday has evolved into a beloved outdoor festival featuring kite flying, picnics, and traditional vegetarian foods that symbolize the Lenten fasting period. Families gather in countryside locations and parks throughout the island, making it one of the most visually distinctive and culturally significant holidays in the Cypriot calendar.