Giorno di Ohi (Oxi) 2025 a Atene

Festival folkloristici e varie performance musicali e teatrali sono una cosa comune ad Atene quasi ogni fine settimana. Tuttavia, sono particolarmente sonore le celebrazioni nazionali come la Giornata di Ohi o Oxi che è noto anche come l'anniversario del "No." Oltre alle performance stradali, le caratteristiche principali del festival sono le decorazioni stradali come le ghirlande di fiori e le cartelle. La celebrazione si tiene per commemorare un evento importante nella storia greca, che risale alla seconda guerra mondiale quando la Grecia si è rifiutata di arrendersi all'Italia senza combattere, e la guerra greco-italiana è iniziata. I Greci fieri vivono la storia ogni anno il 28 ottobre.

Apart from street performances, the main features of the festival are street decorations such as flower garlands and placards. The celebration is held to commemorate an important event in Greek history, which dates back to the ​Second World War when Greece refused to surrender to Italy without fighting and the Greek-Italian war began. Proud Greeks live through the history annually on October 28.

The Oxi Day parade in Athens features marching bands, clubs, societies, and thousands of school children who make their way through the city center. The route typically begins along Leoforos Vassilissis Amalias Avenue, passes the Hellenic Parliament at Syntagma Square, and continues up Panepistimiou Street. The parade usually starts at 11 am, so it's recommended to arrive by 10:30 am to secure a good spot. Be aware that road closures will be in effect around these areas.

Every year on this day, Thessaloniki hosts the official celebration with great splendor. The President of the Republic and other dignitaries attend, alongside a grand military parade. This event coincides with the anniversary of the city's liberation during the First Balkan War and honors the memory of its patron saint, Agios Dimitrios. In other cities, student parades are held, and public and private buildings display the Greek flag. Another wonderful experience in Athens is a visit to The Acropolis Museum, which often commemorates Oxi Day with free entry.

Oxi Day is a national holiday observed on October 28 in Greece, Cyprus, and by Greek communities worldwide. This day commemorates the moment in 1940 when Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas famously refused Benito Mussolini's demand to allow Italian troops to enter Greece. Metaxas responded in French, the diplomatic language of the time, with "Alors, c'est la guerre!" meaning "Then it is war!" News of his defiance quickly spread, and the Greek people took to the streets chanting "Oxi!" (No!). This decisive act of resistance is celebrated every year as a symbol of bravery, solidarity, and heroism among Greeks. October 28 is a significant national holiday in Greece, with all shops and businesses closed except for cafes and restaurants.