Day of Ohi (Oxi) 2025 in Athens

Folk festivals and various musical and theatre performances are a common thing in Athens nearly every weekend. However, particularly sonorous are national celebrations like the Day of Ohi or Oxi, which is also known as the anniversary of "No."

Celebration Highlights

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.

Oxi Day Parade

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.

Events All Over Greece

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.

Origins of Oxi Day

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.