When is Greek Cypriot National Day?
This holiday is always celebrated on April 1st. Also known as 'EOKA Day', this holiday commemorates the start of the insurgence against the British in 1955.
History of Greek Cypriot National Day
Following the Russo-Turkish war (1877 - 1878), Cyprus was leased to the British Empire and was formally annexed by Britain at the end of the First World War.
Among the Greek Cypriots, the concept of 'enosis' - union with Greece had been a movement that had taken hold during the previous century, under the Ottoman rule.
On April 1st 1955, the EOKA (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston) whose aim was unification with Greece through armed struggle, started their guerilla campaign, targeting British military installations on the island.
The campaign against the British lasted for the next four years. On August 16th 1960, a cease-fire was reached and Cyprus attained independence after the Zurich and London Agreement between the United Kingdom, Greece and Turkey.
How is Greek Cypriot Day Celebrated?
Shops and businesses may be closed. People may attend church services to remember the efforts of the EOKA to secure Cyprus' independence and special events take place in schools so that children are made aware of the island's struggle for freedom.
