PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN CYPRUS 2007 – 2008

One of the great attractions of Cyprus is the acclaimed ‘laid back’ lifestyle. To the weary tourist enjoying some time away from the grinding routine of travelling to work in a stop-start traffic jam on one of Britain’s congested motorways, the prospect of putting your feet up and soaking up the sun along with a few Keo beers or sampling a Cyprus Meze is paradise on earth!In common with many other European countries – but unlike the UK – Cyprus is blessed with a judicious scattering of public holidays across the calendar. Some of the dates are very familiar – such as New Year’s Day and Christmas – but some holidays such as the (Greek Orthodox) Easter do not always occur on the same dates as similar celebrations in other countries.In Cyprus, public holidays tend to mean just that – most people either stop working and public services slow down, reduce or shut down completely. That way there is genuinely more leisure time for those who routinely live and work there to share with their friends and family. Of course, this can also mean that popular holiday resorts – and the hotels or rental apartments and villas in these places – can be heavily booked with Cypriot visitors. Make sure you have car hire sorted out well in advance too. In essence, if you are travelling for business or pleasure, it is always best to double-check if you are going to be in Cyprus during a public holiday – and make your travel and accommodation plans accordingly.

The 24 / 7 trading culture of the UK and its impact on everyday commerce has not quite reached Cyprus yet. Apart from half-day closing on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, which is part of the normal routine, banks and most large stores close on a public holiday in common with the vast number of smaller shops in the towns and villages. So, it pays to know how your plans might be affected by being ‘on island’ at any given time. There will be local variations – and towns such as Paphos, with a large indigenous population of British expats, seem to have created more of an ‘open all hours’ culture in some elements of the retail establishment.

The reason behind many public holidays is steeped in the very culture and being of Cyprus – be it the celebration of a religious festival or the commemoration of a major event in the island’s sometimes tragic but eventful history. Perhaps the relatively compact size and feeling of belonging which characterises Cyprus and its people makes the public holiday more than just an excuse to do nothing or go shopping, as it might be in other cultures. It is an occasion for coming together and sharing a common heritage and celebrating a common cause.

One part of Cypriot life which seems less affected by the lowering of the island’s commercial pulse rate are the innumerable restaurants, bars and cafes which seem to almost litter the landscape. After all, someone has to look after the recreational dining of visitors and the local population – there may be public holidays, but the public certainly know how to ‘holiday’!

You may wish to note the Public Holidays for August 2007 – December 2008.

2007
15 Aug Assumption.

1 Oct Cyprus Independence Day.

28 Oct Greek National Day (Ochi Day).

24-26 Dec Christmas.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.

6 Jan Epiphany.

10 Mar Green Monday.

25 Mar Greek Independence Day.

1 Apr Greek Cypriot National Day.

25 Apr Greek Orthodox Good Friday.

28 Apr Greek Orthodox Easter Monday.