Suppose you’re planning a trip to Ayia Napa and want to experience its public holidays and festivals.
The best times to visit are Easter, August 15th, and September for the Ayia Napa Festival.
Cyprus celebrates many public holidays with vibrant traditions, while Ayia Napa offers a mix of summer beach parties, cultural events, and religious festivities.
Celebrations, Sun, and a Good Excuse to Party
Ayia Napa isn’t just about sunbathing and partying until sunrise (though those are solid reasons to visit).
The town also knows how to put on a great show regarding public holidays and festivals.
From religious celebrations with deep-rooted traditions to music festivals that keep the nightlife buzzing, Ayia Napa offers travelers the chance to experience local culture alongside its legendary beachside fun.
In this guide, I’ll discuss the key public holidays in Cyprus, the most exciting festivals in Ayia Napa, and what you need to know about visiting during these times.
Whether you’re looking for a wild summer party or a traditional Easter experience, Ayia Napa has something for you.
Public Holidays in Ayia Napa
While public holidays in Ayia Napa follow the Cyprus national calendar, the town adds its twist, often blending religious traditions with beachside celebrations.
Expect some businesses to close on major holidays, but hotels, restaurants, and tourist hotspots remain open.
January 1st – New Year’s Day
The first day of the year starts quietly after the New Year’s Eve celebrations, with most businesses closed.
January 6th – Epiphany Day
A religious holiday marked by the traditional “Blessing of the Waters” ceremony, where locals dive into the sea to retrieve a cross thrown by a priest.
March 25th – Greek National Day
A day of national pride with parades and patriotic celebrations across Cyprus.
April 1st – National Anniversary Day
Commemorates the start of the Cypriot struggle for independence from British rule in 1955.
Expect parades and remembrance ceremonies.
Variable – Green Monday (50 Days before Greek Orthodox Easter)
Marks the start of Lent with picnics, outdoor feasts, and lots of kite-flying in Ayia Napa’s scenic spots.
Variable – Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church)
A solemn religious holiday featuring church processions, candlelit vigils, and traditional fasting.
Variable – Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church)
A day of celebration after the Easter feasts, with family gatherings and plenty of local sweets.
May 1st – Labour Day
A public holiday honoring workers is often celebrated with outdoor picnics and family time.
Variable – Pentecost (Kataklysmos – Festival of the Flood)
A unique Cypriot celebration with water fights, boat races, and beachside fun.
Ayia Napa turns this holiday into a festival of music and laughter.
August 15th – Assumption of the Virgin Mary
It is a prominent religious holiday in Cyprus, with church services and family gatherings.
In Ayia Napa, the nightlife scene remains as vibrant as ever.
October 1st – Cyprus Independence Day
A day of national pride with parades and military celebrations across the island.
October 28th – Greek National Anniversary Day (Ochi Day)
This holiday marks Greece’s rejection of an ultimatum from Italy in 1940.
Expect parades, speeches, and patriotic festivities.
December 24th – Christmas Eve
Festive lights, carols, and a cheerful atmosphere fill the town as people prepare for Christmas celebrations.
December 25th – Christmas Day
A warm and festive holiday featuring traditional Cypriot Christmas foods, family gatherings, and decorated streets.
December 26th – Boxing Day
A public holiday for relaxation and family time, with many locals heading to restaurants and cafes.
Festivals in Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa doesn’t just offer sun and sea—it knows how to put on a great show!
These festivals are the best times to experience the town’s vibrant atmosphere, from cultural traditions to epic concerts.
Kataklysmos – Festival of the Flood (May/June)
At Ayia Napa Harbour, Kataklysmos marks Pentecost with religious and water-themed celebrations.
Expect a traditional ceremony, watersports, and the exciting dive for the cross—a beloved local ritual.
Ayia Napa Youth Festival (August)
Taking over Ayia Napa Harbour, this festival brings together local and international performers for a massive open-air concert.
It’s a must for music lovers looking to experience Cyprus’ energetic youth scene.
Ayia Napa International Festival (3rd Weekend of September)
The biggest cultural celebration in town is held at Ayia Napa’s main square and monastery.
You’ll see traditional dance and music performances, craft demonstrations, food and drink stalls, and a grand concert featuring Cypriot and Greek artists.
Ayia Napa Medieval Festival (1st Weekend of October)
Travel back in time as the streets fill with medieval-themed performances, dramatic reenactments, dance, and music.
A spectacular parade brings history to life, making it a unique event for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
| Holiday/Festival | Date | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Quiet day, businesses closed. |
| Epiphany Day | January 6 | Religious ceremony, sea diving tradition. |
| Greek National Day | March 25 | Parades and patriotic celebrations. |
| National Anniversary Day | April 1 | Parades and commemorations. |
| Green Monday | Varies (50 days before Orthodox Easter) | Picnics, kite-flying, start of Lent. |
| Good Friday | Varies | Church processions, solemn atmosphere. |
| Orthodox Easter | Varies | Fireworks, feasts, church services. |
| Easter Monday | Varies | Post-Easter celebrations and family feasts. |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Public holiday, picnics, relaxation. |
| Kataklysmos – Festival of the Flood | May/June | Religious ceremonies, water sports, and diving for the cross. |
| Ayia Napa Youth Festival | August | Live concert with local and international performers. |
| Assumption of the Virgin Mary | August 15 | Religious holiday, lively nightlife. |
| Ayia Napa International Festival | 3rd Weekend of September | Traditional music, dance, food stalls, craft demonstrations. |
| Ayia Napa Medieval Festival | 1st Weekend of October | Medieval street parade, dance, music, dramatic performances. |
| Cyprus Independence Day | October 1 | Military parades, national pride. |
| Greek National Anniversary Day (Ochi Day) | October 28 | Parades, patriotic events. |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Festive atmosphere, lights, carols. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Traditional Cypriot Christmas celebrations. |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Public holiday, family gatherings. |
Conclusion
Ayia Napa isn’t just a party town—it’s a place where culture, tradition, and modern celebrations collide.
Whether you’re in town for the historic Easter celebrations or a summer music festival, there’s always something happening.
Plan your trip wisely, and you might find yourself dancing in a medieval square one day and raving on the beach the next!
What are the most important public holidays in Ayia Napa?
Easter, August 15th, and Christmas are the most significant, with religious and cultural celebrations.
Does Ayia Napa have special festivals?
Significant events include the Ayia Napa Festival in September, Kataklysmos in June, and summer music festivals.
Is everything closed on public holidays in Ayia Napa?
Some businesses close, but hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions remain open.
When is the best time to visit Ayia Napa for festivals?
Summer (June–August) for music festivals, September for the Ayia Napa Festival, and Easter for traditional celebrations.
