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With a strong sense of national pride, Cyprus celebrated the anniversary of Greece’s War of Independence on Tuesday with a grand student parade in Nicosia. The event, held on Lord Vyronos Avenue, was a colorful and patriotic display of unity, history, and remembrance.
President Nikos Christodoulides, joined by First Lady Philippa Karseras-Christodoulides, watched the parade from a podium outside the Greek Embassy, alongside other dignitaries, including Archbishop George, House Speaker Annita Demetriou, and Greece’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Ioannis Papameletiou.
The parade brought together students from public and private schools, academic institutions, scouts, unions, and various organizations, including the Association of Prisoners of War 1974. Marchers carried signs bearing the names of occupied schools in Cyprus, a solemn reminder of the island’s ongoing division. Accompanied by the Police Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Guard’s military band, the procession was both a celebration and a call to remember Cyprus' own struggles.
A Day of Reflection and Renewed Commitment
Before the parade, a service was held at the Panagia Faneromeni Cathedral, where Archbishop George led prayers in the presence of the President and other officials. The Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Gerasimos Siasos, delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing the significance of the Greek Revolution of 1821.
Speaking after the parade, President Christodoulides highlighted the deeper meaning behind the celebrations, drawing parallels between Greece’s fight for independence and Cyprus’ continued efforts to reunify the island. “When the great struggle of 1821 began, few believed it would succeed. But it did. And from that, we draw our own strength to continue our effort, more than half a century later, to reunite our country,” he said.
The President also reiterated his government’s commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue, emphasizing that all diplomatic efforts are aimed at strengthening Cyprus’ position on the international stage. He confirmed that he would be in Paris later in the week for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as discussions on the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Political Leaders Weigh In
House Speaker Annita Demetriou echoed the call for unity, stressing the importance of Greece and Cyprus working together in navigating geopolitical challenges. “March 25 unites Hellenism across the world,” she said. “We must correctly interpret global developments to ensure the survival and strength of Hellenism.”
AKEL MP Christos Christofides also connected the spirit of 1821 to Cyprus’ ongoing struggle for reunification. He expressed hope that peace negotiations—if resumed from the point where they left off in Crans-Montana—could lead to a lasting solution. “The lesson of the Greek Revolution is clear: with unity, clear goals, and international support, we can succeed,” he said.
DIKO President Nicolas Papadopoulos reinforced this message, describing the fighters of 1821 as a guiding light for Cypriot Hellenism. “Their struggle teaches us that we have a choice—between submission or resistance, between humiliation or dignity. It is up to us to decide the path we will take.”
As the parade concluded and the national anthem played, it was clear that the day was not just about celebrating history but also about reaffirming the ongoing pursuit of justice, unity, and national pride.
