In Cyprus, an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean, Boxing Day is observed as a public holiday on December 26th, following Christmas Day. This tradition is a heritage from British rule that has been sustained even after the nation gained independence in 1960. Much like in the United Kingdom, Boxing Day in Cyprus is a day off for the general population where schools and most businesses are closed.
Boxing Day in Cyprus is a day to relax and enjoy the festive season. People may choose to spend the day with family and friends or even continue the celebrations from the previous day. Traditional Cypriot households may organize lunch or dinner feasts with authentic delicacies. This celebration often extends the Christmas cheer and joy with the exchange of gifts, a practice stemming from the age-old tradition where boxes filled with money or gifts were given to service workers and employees by their employers on the day after Christmas as a show of gratitude.
While there are no specific traditions or festivities held exclusively for Boxing Day in Cyprus, it is considered an extension of the Christmas holiday. Many people utilize this time to enjoy the island's natural beauty or to explore the old city parts with their decorated streets. Some may also choose to attend the local church for Boxing Day services. Overall, it is a day for Cypriots to relax, catch their breath after the Christmas festivities, and enjoy the extended holiday season before the arrival of the New Year.