Ochi Day
🇬🇷 Greece
- Public Holiday
- Countrywide
- Fixed date
Overview
Ochi Day, meaning "No Day" in Greek, commemorates Greece's refusal of an Italian ultimatum on October 28, 1940. Italian forces invaded the same morning, starting the Greco-Italian War. It is one of Greece's two major national holidays and is also observed in Cyprus and across the Greek diaspora.
What It Is
Ochi Day is an official public holiday across Greece. Public and private buildings fly the flag, and the main event is the military parade in Thessaloniki, attended by the President of the Republic. In Athens and other towns, schoolchildren march in student parades, with each school's flag carried by a top-performing pupil. Church services are held as well, as the date is also the feast of the Protection of the Theotokos.
Why It Matters
In the early hours of October 28, 1940, Italy's ambassador presented Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas with an ultimatum demanding that Axis forces be allowed into Greece. Metaxas rejected it, and Italian troops attacked from Albania soon after. Greek forces halted the offensive and counter-attacked, an early Allied success in the war. The simple word "ochi" came to symbolise national defiance and unity against occupation, even though Metaxas reportedly replied in French. The anniversary was first commemorated in 1941 as a quiet act of resistance.
Holiday in Context
Ochi Day is paired in Greek public life with March 25, Independence Day, which marks the start of the 1821 War of Independence. Each is celebrated with parades and flags, and together they anchor the country's national calendar. Cyprus observes October 28 too, linking the island to the same commemoration.
Countries Celebrating
1 country
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