Cyprus Independence Day 2026: 66 Years Marked in Nicosia

Today, 1 October, Cyprus celebrates 66 years as an independent republic. To our Cypriot friends, neighbours, colleagues and employers: Happy Independence Day! Χρόνια πολλά!

How Nicosia marked the day

The morning began with a memorial service and wreath-laying at the Imprisoned Graves, attended by President Nikos Christodoulides and House president Annita Demetriou, followed by wreaths at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III.
At 11am the traditional military parade moved along Iosif Hadjiosif Avenue, with the President taking the salute. Police, fire service, civil defence, forestry and health services marched alongside the National Guard.
This year's firsts: troops from Egypt and Britain joined the parade for the first time, along with French and US contingents and Greek F-16s overhead. The National Guard also showed its new drone unit and the Barak MX air defence system in public for the first time.
Speaking afterwards, the President said Cyprus would never give up its efforts for reunification, adding: “We are justifiably proud of our country.”

Update (5 October 2026): The defence follow-up continued. High Commissioner Manish met Spyros Miltiades, Diplomatic Advisor to Cyprus's Defence Minister, to take forward the 2026–2031 defence cooperation roadmap, covering training and capacity building, defence industry partnerships, maritime security and search and rescue, and cybersecurity, with both sides agreeing on regular, practical follow-up. (Source: IANS, 5 October 2026)

Update (3 October 2026): India was represented at the celebrations too. High Commissioner Manish watched the parade and then joined the President's reception at the Presidential Palace, where he passed on President Droupadi Murmu's good wishes to President Christodoulides and exchanged greetings with First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. Later that day he sat down with India's Defence Attaché in Cyprus, Group Captain Perminder C Antil, to plan the next steps under the 2026–2031 India–Cyprus defence cooperation roadmap, from exchanges and training to cooperation at sea. (Source: IANS, via The Hawk)

Good to know today

Public holiday: government offices, banks and schools are closed, and many businesses keep shorter hours. Check before you head out.
Free family outing in Larnaca: the National Guard patrol vessel Ioannidis and the Greek navy frigate Nikiforos Fokas are open to visitors at Larnaca port today, 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm.

A story Indians know well

Like India in 1947, Cyprus won its freedom from British rule, becoming a republic in 1960. (Independence formally came on 16 August, but the anniversary is celebrated on 1 October.) The two countries have stood together ever since, from the Non-Aligned Movement in the 1960s to the Strategic Partnership agreed this year.

Cyprus has given us a home, work, friendships and a future for our children. Today, the Indian community stands with our Cypriot family in gratitude and love. We are proud to call this beautiful island home, and we wish Cyprus peace, progress and every success in the years ahead. Happy Independence Day, Cyprus! Χρόνια πολλά!

Sources: CyprusMail1, CyprusMail2