Cyprus prepares to celebrate its 66th independence anniversary

On Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Republic of Cyprus will mark the 66th anniversary of its independence. The main event of the celebrations will be a military parade on Joseph Hadjiiosif Avenue in the Strovolos municipality of Nicosia, scheduled to begin at 11:00. President Nikos Christodoulides will preside over the ceremony, which features various branches of the military, police, fire department, and civil defense units. The National Guard is expected to showcase new armaments, including advanced air defense systems, while the aerial portion of the parade will feature Greek F-16 fighter jets and an Egyptian anti-submarine aircraft.

Historically, Cyprus gained independence on August 16, 1960, ending British colonial administration which began in 1878 following an agreement with Turkey. As part of the ongoing preparations, authorities have scheduled test flights for September 29 and warned the public of road closures in Nicosia during the parade day. Additionally, the public will have the opportunity to visit military vessels from Cyprus and Greece docked at the port of Larnaca to mark the occasion.