Ohi Day is a symbol of resistance, unity, and Greek identity

October 28th is remembered as the day when the Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas rejected an ultimatum from the dictator Benito Mussolini in October 1940. Since then, Greece has celebrated this day as "Ohi Day," when the Greek people said "No" to the Italian invasion.

Greece is the only European country that has been celebrating continuously for over 80 years the 28th of October, the anniversary of the “Ohi” and its entry into World War II, and not its end, which is on the 8th of May 1945. After the war, there was no political consensus for an alternative date. That is why “the first celebrations took place during the occupation period and had a character of resistance,” as Lucian Hasiotis, associate professor of Modern and Contemporary History at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, explains.

On October 28, 1940, Mussolini demanded the concession of Greek integrity and independence, but Metaxas rejected the ultimatum. Italy attempted to occupy Greece, but the Greek army resisted. Mark Mazower, a British historian and expert in Greece, describes this moment as “the first setback of the Axis in the entire war.” As Hasiotis states, “the success of the Greek resistance mobilized Britain, which rushed to support Greece,” but this led to the German invasion, which sank the country.

The Greek rejection of the Italian ultimatum marked a turning point that altered the course of the war | Pixaby

Hasiotis states that “Greece was left deeply divided, socially and politically after the Greek Civil War (1946-1949) and the lack of political consensus.” Thus, each political group interpreted October 28th differently. Anti-communism saw this day as the beginning of the resistance against the communists, who would eventually be defeated. In contrast, the Left considered it the beginning of a struggle against the foreign occupiers and their Greek collaborators.

Oxi Day celebrates numerous cultural events, such as concerts and other activities, to honour the history of Greece and its fight for independence. The main event is the military parade in Athens. While in smaller cities, it’s usual to organize civil parades by schools and young groups, who dress in traditional or military costumes. On this day, there are conferences, where nacionalist songs are played and even, performances. 

The nine blue-and-white horizontal stripes of the flag stand for the Greek motto “Eleftheria i Thanatos” (which means “Freedom or Death”) | Mariona Carbó

Oxi Day exemplifies the fundamental values that characterize contemporary Greek society. This day is a reminder of collective memory, establishing a link between generations and reaffirming the patriotic values that shape their cultural identity.