Annunciation and 1821 Revolution Anniversary in Cyprus
On 25 March, Cyprus marks the Feast of the Annunciation alongside the anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821. It is a public holiday, but time off in the private sector depends on employment rules and agreements.[1]
A public holiday, with different work rules
Cyprus observes the holiday on 25 March. The Central Bank lists it as a bank holiday and says banks close for the day. For most workplaces, however, public-holiday time off is set by employment or collective agreements, rather than one rule that automatically gives every private-sector employee the day off.[1][3]
Specific rules apply to shop, hotel and leisure-centre employees. The labour ministry lists 25 March as paid time off for those workers. Shops may still open, but employees can work only with their consent and are entitled to the stated overtime compensation. Hotel and leisure-centre employees also have specific holiday-pay rules.[1]
Why the date matters in Cyprus
The day joins a Christian feast with a national commemoration. The Annunciation recalls the announcement to Mary, while the national anniversary remembers the Greek uprising against Ottoman rule. The pairing is also reflected in official Cypriot observances, which describe 25 March as a religious and national anniversary.[2]
The revolution is part of Cyprus’s own historical memory as well as Greece’s. A speech delivered at a Church of Cyprus commemoration records that Cypriots supported the struggle, including through participation in the Filiki Eteria and volunteers who fought alongside Greek forces. It also recalls the severe Ottoman reprisals in Cyprus in July 1821, including the execution of Archbishop Kyprianos and other prominent Greek Cypriots.[2]
Church services and public commemorations
A formal doxology has been held at the Church of Panagia Phaneromeni in Nicosia for the anniversary, with the president and other public officials attending. The Church of Cyprus account also records an address marking the Greek Revolution and its meaning for Cyprus.[2]
Official commemorations have included parades. A government announcement for the national anniversary describes a Nicosia parade involving students, scouts, associations and organizations, and notes that services and parades also take place in other cities, municipalities and communities. The exact programme can vary by place and year, so visitors should check local announcements for current arrangements.[2]
What to expect as a visitor
Banks close on the holiday, while shops are legally permitted to open under the conditions for shop employees. Check opening hours with the office or business before you go.[1][3]
Ceremonies and parades can affect access near their venues. Check with local transport operators and authorities before travelling through a town centre during a commemoration.[2]
Frequently asked questions
When is the holiday in Cyprus?
Is it a day off for everyone?
Are shops open?
Shops may open on 25 March. Shop employees may work on the holiday only with their consent and receive the specified overtime compensation.[1]
Are there parades in Cyprus?
Official commemorations have included parades in Nicosia and other cities, municipalities and communities. Check local announcements for the programme and any access changes.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Annunciation, Anniversary of 1821 Revolution in Cyprus:
- Terms of Employment Defined by Law or Decree (working time, paid leave, right to time off, overtime work, dismissals)- Department of Labour Relations, Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, Republic of Cyprus
- Δοξολογία για την επέτειο της 25ης Μαρτίου 1821. Ο Πανηγυρικός της ημέρας.- Church of Cyprus
- Bank holidays- Central Bank of Cyprus