Greek Cypriot National Day
Today is another Bank holiday in Cyprus, Greek Cypriot National Day in memory of the establishment of the National Organisation of the Cypriot Struggle known as EOKA (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston). EOKA was formed with the aim to fight for the country's independence from British Rule. They also had the intention of achieving 'Enosis' or unification with Greece. On August 16th 1960 a cease fire was declared due to the Zurich agreement and Cyprus was granted independence by the United Kingdom. The day is commemorated by many people, especially students and members of the institutions and they attend church services to religiously observe the holiday. Most schools hold tributes and events to educate the students about the history behind the events. It's surprisingly to me really that us Brits are welcomed to the island with (mostly) open arms when we made them fight for their own...