North Cyprus celebrates a variety of local anniversaries and events, reflecting its rich history, connections with Turkey, and important religious dates from the Muslim calendar.
Most public holidays do not affect private businesses, which remain open year-round, except on International Labor Day (May 1st), when employers often close businesses and host barbeques for their staff.
Key dates include:
July 20th: Commemorates the 1974 Turkish Peace Operation, marking the intervention to protect Turkish and Greek Cypriots. The day is remembered with the “Dawn Watch” at Karaoglanoglu Memorial, featuring torchlight vigils and the Soloturk aerobatic show by the Turkish Air Force.
November 15th: Celebrates the declaration of independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in 1983. This day is marked by military and government ceremonies in Nicosia, starting early in the morning.
North Cyprus shares several official public holidays with Turkey, including:
- April 23rd: National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
- May 19th: Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day, marking Atatürk’s landing at Samsun in 1919, which is considered the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence.
- August 30th: Victory Day, celebrating the 1922 Battle of Dumlupınar during the Turkish War of Independence.
- October 29th: Republic Day, commemorating the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
- Ramazan Bayram (Eid al-Fitr): A three-day public holiday marking the end of Ramadan.
- Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha): A four-day holiday commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.