For most countries, 1 April is associated with laughter, pranks and jokes. For Cyprus, however, it is the most important holiday associated with the struggle for freedom and independence.
Historical significance of 1 April
Cyprus was officially declared a British colony in 1925. But Cypriots dreamed of something else. One in two wanted 'enosis' - the union of Cyprus with Greece. But the British administration categorically rejected the idea, leading to growing tensions. In 1955, the Cypriots decided to take their destiny into their own hands.
Exactly 70 years ago, the national liberation struggle of the people of Cyprus against British colonial rule began. It was on 1 April that EOKA (National Organisation of Cypriot Independence Fighters) went underground and began active resistance.
The liberation movement was led by Georgios Grivas, a retired Greek army officer who went by the pseudonym Digenis. EOKA's aim was to liberate Cyprus from British occupation and reunite the island with Greece.
С этого дня начались вооруженные акции, диверсии и антибританские выступления, охватившие всю территорию острова. Борьба была жестокой, сопровождалась жертвами и репрессиями. Однако, киприоты не отступили, и в 1960 году Кипр наконец получил независимость. Первым президентом Кипра стал Архиепископ Макариос III. Сегодня, спустя семь десятилетий, этот день остается символом мужества, патриотизма и национальной гордости для киприотов.
How is 1 April celebrated in Cyprus?
1 April is a public holiday and an official holiday in Cyprus. On this day, commemorative ceremonies are held at memorials and at the graves of heroes of the struggle. Memorial services are held in churches in honour of the fallen freedom fighters. National flags are flown throughout the island, creating an atmosphere of pride and remembrance. Schools and community centres hold commemorative events to recount the events of 1955-1960. Families and children lay flowers at monuments, while museums host lectures and exhibitions on the national struggle for independence.
How do Cypriots work on this day?
As 1 April is an official holiday, many businesses do not open.
Closed:
- Large supermarkets and shops.
- Banks and government offices.
- Most offices and commercial establishments.
Open:
- Bread shops (bread is sold on holidays in Cyprus).
- Small kiosks (peripteros) where you can buy water, snacks and other items.
- Restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues in tourist areas and shopping centres.
If you're planning to travel or shop, it's worth preparing in advance!
Traditions and symbols
As with other important dates, 1 April has its own traditions in Cyprus. The most important of these are
- The fire of struggle. On the night of 1 April, bonfires are lit in some parts of Cyprus to symbolise the unquenchable spirit of freedom.
- Honouring the veterans. Cypriots honour those who took part in the 1955-1959 struggle. Veterans are invited to official events and young people learn their stories.
- Historic sites. On this day, many Cypriots visit the Museum of the Struggle for Independence in Nicosia, where documents, photographs and personal belongings of EOKA participants are collected.
- Carnations and laurel wreaths. These flowers are traditionally brought to the monuments of heroes as a symbol of gratitude for freedom.
1 April and Laughing Day: is there room for humour?
Despite the seriousness of the day, Cypriots do not forget the traditions of Laughter Day. In the evening, good-natured pranks and jokes can be seen on social media, while bars and restaurants in tourist towns host themed parties. But it's important to remember that April 1 in Cyprus is first and foremost a day of remembrance and respect for history, not just an occasion for fun.
Fun facts about the Cyprus anthem
After Cyprus declared its independence, its first president, Archbishop Makarios III, commissioned the famous Cypriot composer Solon Michailidis to write a national anthem for the new state. Michailidis completed the work in 1963. The anthem contained no words and was intended to represent both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot populations of the island. However, as fate would have it, it never became the country's official anthem.
In 1966, amid communal clashes and the withdrawal of Turkish-Cypriot MPs from parliament, the authorities decided to replace the Cypriot anthem with the Greek 'Hymn of Freedom', which has since been played as the national anthem of Cyprus.
Michailidis' piece of music has failed to become a symbol of Cypriot statehood and national identity. This situation is vividly illustrated by an episode described by a minister under President Makarios, Patroklos Stavrou. During the Cypriot President's visit to Washington, before the official meeting began, the orchestra first played the US anthem and then the Cypriot anthem, composed by Michailidis. Makarios, not recognising the tune, mistook it for background music and started to leave his seat. Stavrou, aware of the situation, stopped him and said: "Your Beatitude, where are you going? The national anthem of the Republic of Cyprus is playing".
This incident symbolically reflects the fate of Michailidis' anthem - despite its original purpose, it never really took root as a national symbol in the Cypriot mind.
April 1 in Cyprus is a day of national pride, remembrance and respect for those who fought for the island's freedom. It is not just a day off, but an important moment in the country's history, reminding us of the value of independence and the sacrifices made for it. If you are in Cyprus on 1 April, make sure you visit the memorial sites, learn more about Cypriot history and feel the atmosphere of patriotism and pride in this beautiful island.
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