Ochi Day (Oxi Day) is celebrated each year on October 28. The day commemorates the resistance of the Greek during the World War II , following the Italian army’s invasion. Today, there are military and naval parades , as well as memorial services all over the country.

History

On October 28, 1940 Mussolini (the leader of Italy) issued Greece an ultimatum; either the country allows the Axis forces to enter Greek territory or they would declare war. The ultimatum was presented by the Italian Ambassador in Greece. As a response to the ultimatum, Prime Minister General Ioannis Metaxas said “Ochi” (which means “No”). Hence, Greece entered World War II on the Allied side.

However, most scholars dismiss the use of the phrase “Ochi” and claim that the actual reply was “Alors, c’est la guerre” (French: “Then, it is war”). For a time, Greece was the only British ally against the Axis forces.

The Italians reacted to the response by attacking Greece from Albania (where they had stationed forces) on the same day. The Greeks prevented the advance of the Italian troops and drove them back to Albania.

Ochi Day celebrations in Greece

Many Greek orthodox churches hold special services and there are military parades in all major Greek towns. Coastal towns have naval parades , while in Thessaloniki the day offers more than on reason to celebrate.

Two days before Ochi Day , on October 26, Thessaloniki celebrates the patron Saint of the City, St. Dimitris.

It’s a public holiday so the banks and other public offices are closed. Please note that most archeological sites are also closed. Expect traffic delays and roads being closed especially on the routes of the parades.

Ochi Day is also a public holiday in Cyprus.

Did you know?

The novel “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” presents a fictional account of the meeting between the Greek Prime Minister and the Italian Ambassador.

>>Read more about October in Greece

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