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The Day More Important Than Birthday
In Cyprus the Name Day (Onomastiki) is at least as important as birthday. Every Greek Orthodox name has a fixed saint's day. Key to integration for expats.
How It Works
Fixed calendar day per name (Nikos: Dec 6, Maria: Aug 15, Georgios: Apr 23). Greet: "Chronia Polla, [Name]!" The celebrant opens their house – visitors come uninvited with small gifts. At work: the celebrant brings cake (not others!).
The section on "The Day More Important Than Birthday" was the most valuable for us. We couldn't find this information anywhere else before our move. It saved us a lot of time and hassle.
– Culture lover from Stuttgart, in Larnaca since 2024
For Expats Without Greek Name
Thomas, Michael, Christina: exist in Greek calendar too – celebrate! Jürgen, Sabine: no Greek name day – but participate in friends' celebrations. Install "Name Day Calendar" app.
Name Days Instead of Birthdays
Topics: The Day More Important Than Birthday, How It Works, For Expats Without Greek Name
CMC Practical Tip
The Day More Important Than Birthday In Cyprus the Name Day (Onomastiki) is at least as important as birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Very recommended. "Chronia Polla!" Enormously appreciated. Especially Aug 15 (every Maria celebrates).
Flowers (€5-10), chocolate, loukoumi, wine. Nothing elaborate – the gesture counts.
Many international names do: Thomas, Michael, Anna, Sofia. Google "[your name] Greek name day".
Older generation: name day. Younger: both. Children: birthday. Adults: name day. Safest: congratulate on both.
How CMC Supports You
At CMC Certus Management Consultants, we are here for you – not only for tax and legal questions, but also for all practical topics of everyday life in Cyprus. Our team in Larnaca and Pafos knows the local conditions first-hand.
As your local contact, we handle: company formation and management, tax advisory and Non-Dom applications, ongoing bookkeeping and tax returns, support with authorities, and referrals to estate agents, lawyers, doctors and tradespeople.