Cypriots are cheerful, warm, generous, hospitable, talkative, and easily excited, with a relaxed sense of time. The main forms of greeting are handshakes, cheek kisses, and hugs. Cyprus is primarily composed of two major ethnic groups: Greeks and Turks. The Greek community predominantly adheres to the Greek Orthodox faith (approximately 85%), while the Turkish community practices Islam. There are also a few who follow Roman Catholicism, along with a small population of Armenians, Maronites, and Latins. Those immigrating to Cyprus must pay attention to respecting local religious beliefs.
Greek residents still maintain traditions from the Byzantine era. The Archbishop of Cyprus still wields the ceremonial staff granted by the Byzantine Emperor and wears a purple robe during ceremonies, signing documents with a red pen. The lifestyle and mindset of the residents are primarily European. Many customs in Cyprus are related to Christian traditions and religious rituals. Traditional marriages in Cyprus are mostly arranged by parents, with the father preparing a substantial dowry for his daughter, including a new home. The dowry is brought into her new family and remains her property after marriage. Rural wedding banquets can last 1-2 days. Weddings are typically held on Sundays, and after the ceremony, guests visit the new home and present gifts. At the banquet, guests pin banknotes onto the clothing of the newlyweds until they are fully adorned. It is prohibited to wear shorts and sleeveless clothing when visiting churches.
There are many national and ethnic holidays, including: New Year (January 1), Epiphany (January 6), Green Monday (50 days before Greek Orthodox Easter), Greek Independence Day (March 25), Cypriot National Liberation Day (April 1), Easter (April 21-23), International Labor Day (May 1), Flood Festival (date varies), Assumption of Mary (August 15), Cyprus Independence Day (October 1), Greek National Day (October 28), and Christmas (October 24-26).
All government departments, private companies, banks, and stores are closed on public holidays, except for some shops in tourist areas. Banks are closed on Easter Tuesday, but operate as usual on Christmas Eve (December 24).