Public holidays in North Cyprus are a mix of religious and national days. This is the list of the public holidays for your reference, along with an explanation of why each holiday is celebrated.
List of Public Holidays in North Cyprus
The public holidays are:
| Date | English Name | Turkish Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Yılbaşı |
| 23 April | National Sovereignty and Children’s Day | Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı |
| 1 May | Labour Day | İşçi ve Bahar Bayramı |
| 19 May | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | Atatürk’ü Anma, Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı |
| 20 July | Peace and Freedom Day | Barış ve Özgürlük Bayramı |
| 1 August | Social Resistance Day | Ulusal Direniş Bayramı |
| 30 August | Victory Day (Turkey) | Zafer Bayramı |
| 29 October | Republic Day (Turkey) | Cumhuriyet Bayramı |
| 15 November | Republic Day (Northern Cyprus) | Cumhuriyet Bayramı |
Also the following Muslim holidays are also public holidays in North Cyprus (dates are moveable since, the dates follow the Muslim lunar calendar and therefore the dates differ from year to year):
| Date | Arabic Name | Turkish Name |
|---|---|---|
| moveable | Eid al-Fitr | Ramazan Bayramı |
| moveable | Eid al-Adha | Kurban Bayramı |
| moveable | Mawlid | Mevlid Kandili |
New Year’s Day – January 1
The New Year’s Eve is a time of great celebration in many parts of the world. In North Cyprus, the occasion is marked by drinking, singing and fireworks. Although some families do not consider it a religious holiday, there are still Christmas trees in some houses and schools and present exchanging sometimes takes place.
Turkish National Sovereignty and Children’s Day – April 23
April 23 is a national holiday in Turkey and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It was established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to celebrate the founding of the Republic of Turkey. The holiday emphasizes the importance of children in the future of the nation. On this day in 1920, during the War of Independence, the Grand National Assembly was established in Ankara.
Labour Day – May 1
Labour Day, also called May Day or Worker’s Day, is celebrated in many countries around the world. It commemorates the achievements of workers and the labour union movement. In North Cyprus, it is a public holiday. Only government offices are closed on this day, however, many employers choose to celebrate it with their staff.
Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day – May 19
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus celebrates Youth & Sports Day on the same date as Turkey. This national holiday commemorates the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence on the 19th May 1919. The day commemorates the liberation of Anatolia and Istanbul which were occupied by the naval forces of foreign countries. Atatürk himself proclaimed May 19 as “Youth and Sports Day” and it thus serves to honor the country’s founder. On this day, people across Turkey and North Cyprus sing the national anthem, recite poems, and engage in various cultural and sports activities. These activities are held to honor Atatürk, the founder of Turkey, and his companions from the beginning of the national struggle in 1919.
Peace and Freedom Day – July 20
July 20th 1974 is an important day in the history of Cyprus. On that day, Turkish troops intervened to provide a safe haven for Turkish Cypriots in the north of the island. This was in response to a coup d’état that had been organized by Greek forces who were opposed to then president, Archbishop Makarios, and his government in an attempt order to unify the island with Greece. Every year on Peace and Freedom Day, there is a big military parade in Lefkosia and a flypast over Kyrenia harbour.
Social Resistance Day – August 1
After 1956, the political situation in Cyprus was tense due to the ongoing conflict between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority. In response to EOKA’s aim to partition the island between Greece and Turkey, TMT (Turk Mukavement Teskilati or Turkish Resistance Organization) was founded in 1958. TMT organized a boycott of Greek-Cypriot products and shops, just as EOKA was presiding over a Greek-Cypriot boycott of British products.
Victory Day (Turkey) – August 30
On Victory Day, the president, force commanders, top generals and military cadets attend the ceremony of laying wreaths at Atatürk’s mausoleum in Anitkabir. This day commemorates the Turkish forces successful liberation effort against invading (Greek) troops that took place from 26th August to 30th August 1922. Led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the victory achieved on this date is celebrated annually throughout the country.
Republic Day (Turkey) – October 29
The Turkish Republic Day is the last in a series of events commemorating the War of Independence, which began on May 19, 1919. The subsequent victory of Turkish troops on August 30, 1922, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, resulted in the declaration of the independent Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923.
Republic Day (Northern Cyprus) – November 15
After a year of fighting with Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots first proclaimed North Cyprus in 1975. The Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) was established on 15 November 1983 by the Turkish Cypriot community and Turkish Cypriot Leader/Northern Cypriot State President Rauf Denktash.
End of Ramadan (Ramazan Bayramı) or Seker Bayram – Eid al-Fitr
Seker Bayram, or the Sugar Festival, (one of the most important public holidays in North Cyprus) is a three-day religious feast that takes place at the end of Ramadan. It’s celebrated with family, presents, and sweets. On this feast, older members of the family are respected by kissing their hands. Many Turkish Cypriots will also attend mosque services. In Nicosia, you’ll find a fun-fair, traditional food, and crafts. North Cyprus restaurants will usually be empty on the 27th night of Ramadan, which is known as Kadir Gecesi or the night when the Koran was revealed to Muhammad.
Kurban Bayram (Feast of the Sacrifice) – Eid al-Adha
Kurban Bayram is a four-day feast that occurs two months after the Şeker Bayram. It commemorates the thwarted sacrifice of Ishmael by Abraham, which is a Koranic version of the Abraham-and-Isaac story. In the past, this feast was distinguished by the dispatch and roasting of vast numbers of sheep. However, this custom has faded in Cyprus. Turkish Cypriots are said to be some of the laxest Muslims in terms of observance. Many of them attend mosques, but almost everybody makes the effort to abstain from alcohol during this feast.
Mevlid Kandili – Mawlid Al Nabi – The Prophet’s Birthday
Mevlid Kandili, also known as Mawlid, means ‘Birth of the Prophet’, is one of religious public holidays in North Cyprus. It is the observance of the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad which is commemorated in 12th Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month in the Islamic calendar.
Final words
Knowing about public holidays in North Cyprus, helps you decide better about when to come in North Cyprus. Specially if you like to see the related celebrations and festivals.
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