First official celebration of World Greek Language Day

On February 9, 2026, the International Greek Language Day was officially celebrated for the first time following its recent proclamation by UNESCO. The date was selected to coincide with the memorial day of the poet Dionysios Solomos. This initiative originated from Greek and Italian educators and was subsequently ratified by UNESCO to recognize the language's continuous historical presence and global influence. In Cyprus, the main commemorative event was organized by the Embassy of Greece and the University of Cyprus. The Rector of the University detailed the reasoning behind UNESCO's decision, while the Greek Ambassador emphasized the significance of holding the inaugural celebration in Cyprus. The event was attended by Archbishop Georgios and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, who identified linguistic literacy as a strategic priority for his administration. Additionally, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis issued a statement regarding the global impact of the Greek language. The celebration highlights the contribution of the language to international culture and its uninterrupted development over centuries.