Cyprus Independence Day

October 1

Cyprus gained independence from Great Britain on August 16, 1960. On that day, British governor Hugh Foot departed amid much ceremony, and Greek Cypriot freedom fighters landed on a plane from Athens with a heroes' welcome. The new Cypriot president, Archbishop Makarios III (1913-1977), gave a speech inspiring Cypriots to improve their new nation.
Independence Day is observed as a public holiday on October 1 each year.

CONTACTS:
Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus
2211 R St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-462-5772; fax: 202-483-6710
www.cyprusembassy.net

SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 165
NatlHolWrld-1968, p. 145

Celebrated in: Cyprus

References in periodicals archive ?

The process aimed at a solution of the Cyprus problem will be resumed, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades said on Saturday night in a TV address to mark Cyprus Independence Day.

Cyprus peace talks will resume Anastasiades says

TheCyprus Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Cyprus Independence Day with a concert series of pieces by Ludwig van Beethoven entitled 'Heroic Moments' on Tuesday in Limassol, on Wednesday in Larnaca and next Thursday in Nicosia.

A touch of Beethoven for Independence Day

For anyone interested, April 1 is Greek Cyprus National Day (EOKA Day), October 1 is Cyprus Independence Day.