Ohi Day in Cyprus: Should You Send Flowers?
If you typed “Ohi Day flowers Cyprus” because you want to send something thoughtful on October 28, the short answer is: flowers are appropriate in some situations, but they are not a main Ohi Day tradition. Ohi Day is a public holiday in Cyprus with national and historical meaning, so a bouquet should feel respectful, personal and understated rather than festive for its own sake.
A good rule is simple: do not send flowers just because it is Ohi Day, unless you know the recipient will appreciate the gesture. Do send flowers if the day has a personal reason attached, such as gratitude, remembrance, a family lunch, a visit, a birthday near the holiday or support from abroad.
What Is Ohi Day in Cyprus?
Ohi Day is observed on October 28. In Greek it is often called Επέτειος του Όχι (Anniversary of the No), referring to Greece’s refusal of the Italian ultimatum in 1940 during the Second World War.
Cyprus observes October 28 as a public holiday because of its close cultural and historical ties with Greece. The day is marked in a civic and patriotic way, commonly with commemorations, flags and school or community events. For many families, it is also a day off work or school, depending on individual schedules.
The tone of the day matters for gift etiquette. Ohi Day is not like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or a name day, where flowers are expected in many homes. It is closer to a national commemoration. Respect, memory and family connection are more fitting than bright party-style gifting.
For people living in the US, UK, Canada, Spain or elsewhere, October 28 can also be a moment to say, “I’m thinking of you back home.” In that case, the flowers are less about the public holiday itself and more about staying close to someone in Cyprus.
Ohi Day flowers Cyprus: do people usually send them?
No, people do not usually send flowers for Ohi Day in Cyprus as a holiday custom. There is no general expectation that relatives, friends or colleagues will receive bouquets on October 28.
That does not mean flowers are wrong. It means the context should guide you. A bouquet sent without explanation may feel a little unusual, while a bouquet with a clear, warm card message can feel thoughtful.
Think of Ohi Day gift etiquette in Cyprus this way:
| Practical point | What to know |
|---|---|
| Date | October 28 every year |
| Usual flower custom | Not a standard personal flower-giving holiday |
| Best reason to send | Gratitude, remembrance, family connection or another personal occasion |
| Style to choose | Modest, elegant, respectful flowers or a plant |
| Price from FlowersCyprus | Bouquets start at USD 63.24, plus a flat USD 14.95 delivery fee |
| Ordering from abroad | Pay online in USD by card or PayPal |
If you are sending to parents, grandparents, a partner’s family or a host in Cyprus, a note is important. The card should explain the feeling behind the gift, especially if you are connecting it to October 28.
When is it appropriate to send flowers on October 28?
Flowers make sense on Ohi Day when they are tied to a person, not just to the holiday.
Send flowers if you are thanking someone for hosting a family meal on the public holiday. Many people use public holidays for family time, so a small arrangement can work as a gracious host gift.
Send flowers if you are abroad and want to acknowledge family in Cyprus. A simple bouquet says you remembered the day and the people connected to it, without turning the holiday into a commercial occasion.
Send flowers if the recipient has a birthday, anniversary, recovery, new home or other life event around October 28. In that case, the personal occasion is the real reason, and Ohi Day is simply the delivery date.
Send flowers for quiet remembrance if appropriate for your relationship with the recipient. For a solemn note, consider white or soft-colored flowers, or browse sympathy flowers in Cyprus if the gesture is connected to loss or memorial care.
Avoid making the bouquet look like a patriotic statement unless you know the family’s preferences. It is safer to choose flowers that communicate respect, warmth and thoughtfulness.
What flowers should you choose for a respectful gesture?
For October 28 Cyprus flowers, choose something elegant rather than flashy. Soft whites, creams, pale pinks, lavender tones and gentle mixed arrangements are usually safer than dramatic red romance bouquets, unless the recipient is your partner and the message is personal.
White flowers often feel calm and respectful. A simple white arrangement, such as the Peaceful White Cloud Cube, can work when the message is thoughtful, sober or family-focused.
Pastel flowers are a good choice for parents, grandparents, in-laws or a host. They feel warm without being too romantic. A design like the Perfectly Pastel Lavender Vase fits a gentle “thinking of you” message.
Plants are also a sensible option if you want the gift to feel less ceremonial. A plant can be especially appropriate for someone who prefers long-lasting gifts or keeps flowers at home carefully. The Living Oasis Planter is one example of a non-bouquet gift that still feels personal.
Romantic red roses are best reserved for a partner. They can be beautiful, but they may confuse the meaning if you are trying to send a respectful Ohi Day gesture to relatives, friends or colleagues.
If you are unsure, browse the full flower collection and choose a medium-sized arrangement with a simple card. The card message will do most of the etiquette work.
Can FlowersCyprus deliver around the public holiday?
FlowersCyprus delivers flowers across Cyprus through local florists, including major cities and smaller communities. Coverage includes Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Paralimni, Ayia Napa and more.
Delivery is next-day nationwide. Same-day delivery is available in major cities such as Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca when the order is placed early.
Because October 28 is a public holiday in Cyprus, it is smart to order ahead if the date matters. If you want flowers to arrive before a family gathering or early in the day, do not leave the order until the last minute.
Useful city pages include flower delivery in Nicosia, flower delivery in Limassol and flower delivery in Larnaca. If you are sending from outside Cyprus and need the basic steps, this guide to sending flowers to Cyprus from abroad explains what information you need.
Every order includes a free printed card message. Add-ons include chocolates, a vase, teddy bear, card, balloons and wine, but for Ohi Day etiquette, keep add-ons modest unless there is another personal celebration.
What card message works for Ohi Day?
The best Ohi Day card messages are short, warm and personal. Avoid sounding overly formal unless you are sending to a colleague, client or someone you do not know well.
Here are a few messages that fit the tone:
- Thinking of you on October 28 and sending love from afar.
- Remembering this meaningful day with you. With love from all of us.
- Wishing you a peaceful Ohi Day and a warm day with family.
- Sending a small gift with love on Επέτειος του Όχι.
- Thank you for hosting everyone today. Wishing you a lovely October 28.
- We wish we could be there with you today. Sending love to Cyprus.
For a more formal recipient, keep it neutral:
- With respectful wishes on October 28.
- Thinking of you and your family on this important day.
- Warm wishes for Ohi Day.
If the bouquet is really for a birthday, recovery or thank-you, say that clearly. For example: “Happy birthday, and warm wishes for the holiday too.” This avoids making Ohi Day the only reason for the gift.
To order, choose an arrangement from the FlowersCyprus flower collection, enter the recipient’s name, full Cyprus address and phone number, then add your free printed card message. You can pay online in USD by card or PayPal, and a local florist in Cyprus will hand-deliver your order.
Frequently asked questions
Is October 28 a public holiday in Cyprus?
Yes. October 28, Ohi Day, is observed as a public holiday in Cyprus and is connected to the Greek refusal of the Italian ultimatum in 1940. It is treated as a national and commemorative day, not mainly as a gift-giving holiday.
Should I send red roses for Ohi Day in Cyprus?
Red roses are usually better for romance, not for Ohi Day etiquette. If you are sending to family, a host or a respectful contact, choose white, pastel or softly colored flowers instead.
Can I send flowers to Cyprus from the UK or US for October 28?
Yes. You can order online from abroad, pay in USD by card or PayPal, and a local florist in Cyprus will deliver to the recipient. You need the recipient’s name, full address and phone number.
What should I write on an Ohi Day flower card?
Keep the message simple and personal, such as “Thinking of you on October 28 and sending love from afar.” If the flowers are also for a birthday, thank-you or family gathering, mention that clearly in the card.