Cyprus prepares to celebrate Ochi Day on October 28

Cyprus is preparing to celebrate the National Anniversary of October 28, 1940, with official events scheduled across the country. In Nicosia, a solemn doxology will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Apostle Barnabas Cathedral, officiated by Archbishop George of Cyprus. The ceremony will be attended by President Nikos Christodoulides, Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou, House President Annita Demetriou, Greek Ambassador Konstantinos Kollias, and other high-ranking officials. Minister of Agriculture Christos Senekis will deliver the keynote address, followed by a parade at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Greek Embassy.

Simultaneously, local events are organized in Paphos and Polis Chrysochous. Paphos began commemorative activities on October 27 with wreath-laying ceremonies and school events. A central public event is scheduled for the evening of October 27 at the Markideio Municipal Theater, featuring a lecture by Professor Pantelis Voutouris on the representation of the 1940 war in the works of George Seferis and Odysseas Elytis. These celebrations reflect the national observance of the historical 'Ochi' (No) declaration, with government representatives presiding over various ceremonies in municipalities across the island.