**Cyprus Marks 66 Years of Independence with Celebrations and Commemorations**
Nicosia, Cyprus – On Thursday, Cyprus will celebrate the 66th anniversary of its independence with a series of events that highlight the nation’s history and resilience. The central event will be a traditional military parade in the capital, Nicosia, set to commence at 11 am on Iosif Hadjiosif Avenue.
The parade is expected to attract a significant number of attendees, including high-ranking officials from several countries. Dignitaries from Greece, the United Kingdom, Egypt, France, and the United States will be present, along with various foreign attachés. President Nikos Christodoulides will take the salute during the parade, which will also feature Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, National Guard Chief Lieutenant General Emmanouel Theodorou, and General Dimitrios Houpis, the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.
The military display will showcase a variety of motorized and marching units, as well as aerial demonstrations from the National Guard. In addition to military contingents, representatives from the police, fire service, civil defense, forestry department, and health services will also participate. The event will begin with a ceremonial 21-gun salute, marking the significance of the day.
Earlier in the day, President Christodoulides and House President Annita Demetriou participated in a memorial service, laying wreaths at the imprisoned graves to honor those who fought for Cyprus's independence. They were later joined by Minister Dendias to pay tribute at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III, located within the grounds of the presidential palace.
Following these commemorative activities, Dendias is scheduled to meet with President Christodoulides to discuss matters of mutual interest. The president and Demetriou will also attend a memorial service at the Monument to Democracy and Resistance, situated in the presidential palace park.
In a gesture of hospitality, President Christodoulides and First Lady Philippa Karsera will host a reception for members of the diplomatic and consular corps at the presidential palace at 1 pm. This gathering aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and celebrate the occasion with international partners.
For those interested in maritime activities, the public will have the opportunity to visit two naval vessels docked at Larnaca port. The National Guard’s patrol vessel Ioannidis and the Greek navy frigate Nikiforos Fokas will be open for public tours from 10 am to 2 pm and again from 4 pm to 7 pm, allowing citizens to engage with their military heritage.
This year’s independence celebrations not only commemorate Cyprus's journey since gaining independence in 1957 but also serve to reinforce national pride and unity among its citizens. The events are expected to draw large crowds, reflecting the significance of independence in the collective memory of the Cypriot people.