Cyprus Independence Day is October 1st. Why do we celebrate on that day?

On Thursday, October 1, the Republic of Cyprus will celebrate its 66th anniversary of independence. A military parade is planned in Nicosia, and offices, schools, and banks will be closed. However, there's a detail that might surprise you: the state was established on August 16, 1960, not October 1.

The October date is no mistake. It was chosen three years after independence so that the anniversary could be celebrated with full pomp and circumstance and the participation of foreign diplomats. The history of this holiday thus speaks both to the end of British rule and the early years of the new republic.

Independence was declared on August 16

The path to the creation of the state led through conflict with the British colonial administration and the agreements reached in Zurich and London. The EOKA organization, which fought against the British from 1955 to 1959, sought to unite the island with Greece. Ultimately, however, a separate state emerged.

August 16, 1960 The last British governor handed over power to the republic's first president, Archbishop Makarios III, and first vice-president, Fazıl Küçük. The new regime was intended to ensure participation in government by both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

This was the actual birth date of the Republic of Cyprus. This date was not changed by the subsequent decision to hold the celebrations in October.

Why was October 1st chosen?

For the first years, the independent state did not have a separate date for annual, official celebrations. On July 11, 1963, the Council of Ministers decided that October 1 would be a public holiday.

The choice was made for practical reasons. August falls during the summer travel period, when many foreign diplomats are away from the island. The autumn date allowed for the celebrations to be attended by representatives of other countries and to be accorded the appropriate status.

This did not mean that independence itself was moved to another date. August 16 remains the day of the founding of the republic, and October 1 is the day of its celebration.

A holiday that disappeared for a while

The first October celebrations took place in 1963. A few months later, clashes broke out on the island between the Greek and Turkish communities. Instead of peacefully building a common state, the republic faced a deep crisis.

The next turning point came in 1974: a coup, the Turkish invasion, and the partition of the island. According to Cypriot historian Petros Papapolyviou, official celebrations of October 1st returned in 1977.

Since then, the holiday has also had a significance that goes beyond the anniversary of the events of 1960. It serves as a reminder of the continuity of the Republic of Cyprus, even though the island remains divided.

Military parade in Nicosia

The main event of this year's celebrations will be a military parade in the capital. Nicosia residents can already see the preparations. on Tuesday, September 29The National Guard announced test low-flying aircraft over the city at approximately 11:00 a.m.

Those planning to see Thursday's parade should check current announcements regarding the ceremony time and traffic management before traveling. The military did not provide these details in its announcement about Tuesday's rehearsal.

What will be closed on October 1st?

Thursday is a public holiday and a day off from work. Offices, schools and bank branches will be closed. If you need to do it in person, it is a good idea to do it in advance or schedule your appointment for Friday, October 2nd.

Shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions may have their own opening hours. This is especially true in resort towns, so it's best to check information about a specific location before traveling.

When the flags go up and the parade begins on Thursday, it's worth remembering both dates. August 16, 1960 the island ceased to be a British colony. October 1 is the day that the young republic chose to annually commemorate its founding.

Sources: Press and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus, Ministry of Education of the Republic of Cyprus, National Guard, Petros Papapolyviou