December 25th – Christmas Day (Χριστούγεννα) in Cyprus

Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is one of the most significant Christian holidays in Cyprus. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and holds deep religious, cultural, and social importance for communities across the island.

In Cyprus, Christmas (Χριστούγεννα) is officially a public holiday. The day is traditionally centered around church services, particularly the Divine Liturgy, where families gather to celebrate the Nativity. The period leading up to Christmas is observed with fasting by many Orthodox Christians, making Christmas Day a joyful moment of celebration and spiritual renewal.

Beyond its religious meaning, Christmas in Cyprus is a time for family unity and hospitality. Homes are decorated, festive foods are prepared, and people come together to share meals and exchange good wishes. Acts of generosity are especially emphasized, reflecting long-standing Cypriot values of solidarity and care for those in need.

For Caritas Cyprus, Christmas Day is a powerful reminder of compassion, hope, and service to others. It is a time to stand with the most vulnerable, promote human dignity, and strengthen community bonds, in the spirit of peace and love that Christmas represents.