Celebrating ΟΧΙ Day in Greece

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Last Updated on February 15, 2023 by Celeste.

October 28 is a National Memorial Day in Greece. It is called ΟΧΙ Day or NO Day. What does it mean, and what is going on in Greece on this special day?

2021 Additional note: Due to the corona pandemic, there will not be a school parade in the center of Athens. The military parade in Thessaloniki has been cancelled. There will be local school parades in the municipalities of Athens and the rest of Greece. For more information about the 2021 celebrations, please read Oxi Day or October 28 in Greece 2021.

What does Οχι Day mean?

Greek: Επέτειος του οχι – The anniversary of ‘NO’

Οχι Day on October 28 commemorates the anniversary of an important moment in Greek modern history. It’s been described as the day when former military general and Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas said no – ‘Οχι’ – to an ultimatum made by Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini to allow Italian forces to occupy strategic locations in Greece or else face war back in 1940. This is the moment when Greece got involved in the Second World War. In the course of that day, Greeks were calling “οχι” through the streets everywhere. Many spontaneously registered up for the army. Since 1942, Οχι Day has been commemorated by Greeks all over the world and after the war, 28 October was declared a national Memorial Day. Throughout the country, commemorations and parades take place, and you can see the Greek flag hanging on government buildings and houses everywhere. It is a day that represents bravery, solidarity, and heroism for millions of Greeks all around the world.

Winston Churchill commented at the time of the Greco-Italian war and famously said,
“Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that Heroes fight like Greeks.”

How do Greek children celebrate Οχι Day?

October 28 is an official national holiday in Greece. This means that on Οχι Day, schools (but also companies, shops, and public services) are closed. Children commemorate Οχι Day at their school the day before. Weeks before the festivities, the children learn poems or songs, and some also practice for the 28 October parade. At some schools, parents and pupils gather together for songs or storytelling. In other schools, kids watch historic films. My daughter is part of the school choir, she sings special Οχι Day songs during this gathering. On another occasion, the class presented a play in which there was special emphasis on the role of the brave woman and their role in the war in Greece.

On Οχι Day itself, children participate in parades all over Greece. Students, mostly from grade 4 and up, children from sports clubs, and from the boy scouts march the streets of Greek cities and towns. The children wear their school uniform or club outfit, and some dress up in traditional Greek clothing. They are accompanied by marching music while walking. A special role is for the flag bearer in front of each school representation. It is considered an honor for the selected child to hold the Greek flag.

Celebrating Οχι Day in Greece

During Οχι Day holiday, you will also see military parades in Thessaloniki. Some coastal towns prepare naval parades and waterfront celebrations. Many streets will be decorated with national flags, and you will feel a real coloring of Greece and how locals are proud of their country. Note that during the celebrations, the streets can be busy or blocked, especially in Athens. Because this is a national holiday, most Athenian archeological sites and some museums are open and admission is free. There is a special Οχι Day ceremony at the Acropolis where you can see the Presidential Guard or Evzones. The Greek capital public transport operates as usual but, as said before, there can be road delays due to the street parades. Most restaurants and bars, especially in main tourist areas, will remain open.

Have you been to Greece during the Οχι Day celebrations?

Greek National Holidays

For information about other Greek national and public holidays:

I find Greece an amazing country with unique celebrations. Have you heard of Kyra Sarakosti? A very special lady introduced Lent to Greek children right after Carnival in Greece. And did you know that there are many winter traditions in Greece? There is even a celebration honoring the kingfisher birds!For more Greek culture stories, check the Greek Culture & Celebrations category of this blog.