Severe traffic congestion impacts travelers on the Feast of the Assumption in Cyprus

On August 15, 2026, the Feast of the Assumption, thousands of motorists in Cyprus faced severe traffic congestion, particularly on routes leading to the Troodos Mountains and religious pilgrimage sites. Drivers were trapped for hours in long queues, turning a day intended for leisure into a stressful ordeal characterized by frustration and heavy traffic volume.

The congestion was most acute on the Nicosia-Troodos road, specifically near the communities of Akaki, Peristerona, and Astromeritis. Critics attribute this recurring issue to delays in the construction of the Nicosia-Solea highway. While the first phase (Nicosia-Kokkinotrimithia) and the third phase have been completed, the critical second phase—which would bypass these specific villages—remains stalled. Reports suggest that local political influence has delayed this project to avoid disrupting these communities, despite the significant impact on public mobility during peak holiday periods.