On 25 March, Cyprus celebrates one of the most important holidays of the year, Greek Independence Day.
It is an official holiday on the island. If you are lucky enough to be in Cyprus at the end of March, there is a good chance that you will be immersed in an atmosphere of patriotism, attend a parade and see how the locals honour and remember history.
Why is Greek Independence Day so important for Cyprus?
Let's go back in time for a moment. In a nutshell, Greece was under Byzantine rule for a long time, then under Turkish-Muslim rule. The Greeks made many attempts to gain freedom, but none of them were successful. It was only during the revolution of 1821-1830, also known as the 'Greek War of Independence', that they succeeded in liberating the country from the invaders.
During the eight years of the liberation struggle, around 100,000 soldiers were mobilised in Greece. Over 50,000 of them lost their lives. But their sacrifice was not in vain. At the cost of their lives, these heroes won the freedom of their country. Turkey recognised the independence of Greece through the Treaty of Adrianople, and on 3 February 1830 the London Protocol was signed - the official recognition of the independent Greek state.
The first Greek state was founded in 1828 under the name 'Greek State' and consisted of the Peloponnese and part of central Greece. The first ruler of Greece was John Kapodistrias, who minted Greek coins, founded schools and orphanages and generally tried to develop the economy and education. On 14 August 1832, the borders of the new European state were finally defined - by a symbolic line connecting the Pagasetian and Ambracian Gulfs.
25 March 1821 is considered the beginning of the Greek Revolution, although historical evidence suggests that the revolution against the Turks began earlier. The choice of this date was not accidental. The revolution was linked to an important holiday in the Greek Orthodox Church: the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.
But what has this got to do with Cyprus? - you may ask. It's quite simple. Cyprus has been part of the Greek world for centuries - from ancient times to the times when the island was controlled by the Ottomans and the British. Many Cypriots have dreamed of enosis - union with Greece - for centuries. Although the island eventually remained a separate state, cultural and historical ties with Greece are so strong that Greek holidays are celebrated with great pride. Much of the Cypriot population feels part of the Greek world.
How Greek Independence Day is celebrated in Cyprus
The 25th of March is celebrated in a special way in Cyprus to highlight the fraternal relations between the two nations. On this day, Greek and Cypriot flags are displayed side by side in the streets. In major cities such as Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca, parades are organised with the participation of students, schoolchildren, military personnel and representatives of various organisations.
Greek Orthodox churches across the island hold solemn services to celebrate not only Greece's independence, but also the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an important Christian holiday that coincides with the date. On the eve of the holiday, public schools hold educational events commemorating the events of 1821 and the heroes of the revolution, such as Theodoros Kolokotronis and Georgios Karaiskakis.
In the evenings there are usually concerts of traditional Greek and Cypriot music, with folk songs and dances. Many people gather with their families around a large table to celebrate the holiday with those closest to them. As it is also a religious holiday and always falls during the 'Lent' period before Easter, most people avoid eating meat. Instead, they indulge in fish and seafood.
The older generation of Cypriots are particularly reverent. Families can spend hours discussing the exploits of the revolutionaries, the brotherhood with Greece and the importance of remembering their history.
Meaning of the holiday for Cypriots
For Cypriots, Greek Independence Day is not only a tribute to historical events, but also a reminder of the struggle for freedom. The day symbolises the national pride that unites Greeks and Cypriots despite different political realities. Many Cypriots see the holiday as a reflection of their own struggle for independence from British rule, which led to the creation of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960.
In addition, in a political context, the holiday often becomes an occasion to discuss the Cyprus problem in relation to the partition of the island. It is a reminder of the importance of unity, the preservation of national identity and the continuation of cultural traditions.
Greek Independence Day in Cyprus is a day of historical remembrance, patriotism and cultural heritage. It is a time when Cypriots feel connected to Greece, remember the heroic struggle for freedom and strengthen their national identity. The celebration of 25 March in Cyprus remains an important part of Greek Cypriot identity, demonstrating the deep ties between the two peoples based on shared history, language, culture and religion.
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