Oxi Day (Ohi Day) 2025 in Greece

Oxi Day, also known as Ohi, Ochi, or Okhi Day, is a significant public holiday celebrated across Greece on October 28th each year. The day honors Ioannis Metaxas' refusal to allow Italian troops to occupy Greece in 1940. "Oxi" means "No" in Greek, which is why the holiday is named after this defiant response. Military and student parades, national flag displays, and the closure of schools and workplaces mark the occasion.

Traditional Celebrations

During the holiday, you will see lots of militaries, student parades, and union marches. In the meanwhile, coastal towns prepare naval parades and waterfront celebrations. Streets will be decorated with national flags, and you will feel Greek patriotism and how locals are proud of their country. If you find yourself in Athens during this special weekend, you'll be pleased to know that entry to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum is free.

Oxi Day Parade in Athens

Oxi Day, celebrated on October 28th, features parades across Greece, with the largest taking place in Thessaloniki, Athens. The main parade starts at 11 a.m. from Zappeion, marches along Leoforos Vassilissis Amalias Avenue, and concludes at Panepistimiou Street. It passes the Greek Parliament and the Unknown Soldier monument, with marching bands, army units, schools, clubs, and societies in Greek national costumes participating. During these celebrations, streets can be extremely busy and closed to traffic, and most archaeological and tourist sites will also be closed.

Ohi Day Parades on Crete

Ohi Day parades in Crete are celebrated in various towns and cities across the island, with Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion among the most notable. These parades are marked by enthusiastic displays of local pride and patriotism, culminating in reenactments of significant moments from the 1940 Ohi Day events. These vivid portrayals powerfully commemorate the resilience and valor of the Greek people during challenging times.

History of Ochi Day

On October 28, Greece and Cyprus commemorate Ohi Day, marking the refusal of Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas to an Italian ultimatum in 1940. The Italian ambassador's demand for Greek concessions led to Italy's invasion and Greece's entry into World War II. Initially observed by the resistance during WWII, Ohi Day became a public holiday after the war, uniting Greeks in celebration of their defiance.