National Holiday in Cyprus: 28 October
Cyprus observes 28 October as Greek National Day, also known as Ohi Day. The date recalls Greece’s rejection of an Italian ultimatum in 1940 and carries particular meaning in Cyprus because Greek Cypriots also took part in the wartime effort.[1][2]
Date, name and holiday status
The holiday falls each year on 28 October. Cyprus’s Central Bank identifies it as Greek National Day, distinguishing it from Cyprus National Day on 1 April.[1]
Primary schools list 28 October as a school holiday. For most employees, however, Cyprus does not guarantee a paid day off for every public holiday: the Department of Labour Relations says these holidays are generally governed by employer-employee or collective agreements. Paid holidays for employees in shops, catering and hotels are set by relevant laws.[3][4]
The 1940 anniversary
The anniversary refers to the early hours of 28 October 1940, when Italy’s ambassador delivered an ultimatum to Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas, seeking passage for Italian troops and occupation of strategic points. Metaxas rejected the request, and Italian forces attacked the Greek-Albanian border later that morning.[2]
The event is remembered as the “Ohi” (“No”) anniversary. A Cyprus Ministry of Education message describes the Greek response as resistance to the Italian fascist government and recalls the solidarity of Greek Cypriots, including volunteers who served in the war.[5]
Remembrance in Cyprus
Cyprus’s primary education authority includes the 28 October anniversary and Flag Day among established school celebrations. Because the date itself is a school holiday, its guidance says the school commemoration takes place on the preceding school day; national celebrations are held during school hours.[4]
The anniversary is also presented in official Cypriot educational material as part of shared historical memory, linking Greece’s wartime resistance with the participation and losses of Greek Cypriots.[5]
What to expect on the day
The Central Bank’s published calendar lists 28 October as a bank holiday, so visitors should expect bank branches to close. Schools are also closed on the date.[1][3]
There is no single rule that guarantees all private workplaces close: employment arrangements differ, and paid-holiday provisions for shop, catering and hotel staff are governed by sector laws. Check with a workplace or business directly; check shop opening hours and transport timetables with the relevant providers.[3]
Frequently asked questions
When is Cyprus’s National Holiday?
It is observed every year on 28 October and is identified by the Central Bank as Greek National Day.[1]
Is 28 October a day off for workers?
Not automatically for every employee. Public holidays are generally set by employment or collective agreements; paid holidays for shop, catering and hotel employees are covered by relevant laws.[3]
Are banks and schools open?
Sources and references
Sources used for National Holiday in Cyprus:
- Bank holidays to be observed in Cyprus during 2026- Central Bank of Cyprus
- 28 October 1940 – The Beginning of the Greco-Italian War- Hellenic Army General Staff
- Public Holidays- Department of Labour Relations, Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, Republic of Cyprus
- School holidays; School celebrations- Department of Primary Education, Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, Republic of Cyprus
- Μήνυμα του Υπουργού Παιδείας, Πολιτισμού, Αθλητισμού και Νεολαίας για την Επέτειο της 28ης Οκτωβρίου 1940- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth, Republic of Cyprus