The military parade marking the 61st anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus, will be open to spectators this year with the display of a SafePass and use of protective masks, it was announced on Wednesday.

Authorities said they will be conducting random checks throughout the event, which starts at 11am on Friday.

Individuals aged 12 and above must either have a negative test done in the last 72 hours, or a vaccination certificate with at least one dose administered three weeks before, or a recovery from Covid-19 certificate not older than six months from the initial positive test.

President Nicos Anastasiades will be taking the salute, flanked by Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides and National Guard chief Democritos Zervakis. The Greek government will be represented by Defence Minister Nicos Panayiotopoulos who will be accompanied by the Greek Chief of Staff Constantinos Floros.

The parade will be attended by diplomats and foreign military attaches.