Greek Cypriot National Day

Greek Cypriot National Day

April 1

This holiday marks the anniversary of the 1955 start of the Greek Cypriot liberation struggle against British colonial forces. The Greek community in Cyprus waged a guerilla campaign against the British in order to gain union with Greece. The Turkish community, which preferred an alliance with Turkey, also took up arms, complicating the struggle.
Greek Cypriot National Day is celebrated in South Cyprus, which is the Greek partitioned part of the island. Almost all public services and most private shops are closed. The holiday is often celebrated with parades in city streets, along with music, dancing and flag waving.

CONTACTS:
Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus
2211 R. St. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 02008
202-462-5772 or 202-462-0873; fax: 202-483-6710
www.cyprusembassy.net/home

Holidays, Festivals, and Celebrations of the World Dictionary, Fourth Edition. © 2010 by Omnigraphics, Inc.