| Ohi Day (Ημέρα του όχι) | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Greece,Cyprus, andGreek diaspora |
| Celebrations | Family reunions, military and studentparades |
| Date | 28 October |
| Frequency | Annual |
Ohi Day (/ˈoʊkiː/;Greek:Επέτειος του Όχι,romanized: Epéteios tou Óchi,lit. 'Anniversary of the No';Greek pronunciation:[eˈpetiostuˈoçi]) is celebrated throughoutGreece,Cyprus and theGreek communities around the world on 28 October each year.Ohi Day commemorates the rejection by theGreekIoannis Metaxas of theultimatum made by Italian dictatorBenito Mussolini on 28 October 1940 and the subsequent Hellenic counterattack against the invading Italian forces at the mountains ofPindus during theGreco-Italian War andGreek resistance during theAxis occupation.
Shortly after 03:00 am on 28 October 1940, the Italian ambassador to Greece,Emanuele Grazzi, departed from a party at the Italian embassy inAthens to visitIoannis Metaxas. Ambassador Grazzi presented Metaxas with an ultimatum: either permitAxis forces to enter and occupy unspecified "strategic locations," or face the prospect of war. Metaxas is reported to have responded with a singlelaconic word,όχι ("No!"). It was later determined that his actual reply was inFrench:"Alors, c’est la guerre!" ("Then, it is war!").[1][2]
Following Metaxas's refusal, Italian troops stationed inAlbania, which was then anItalian protectorate,attacked the Greek border at 05:30 am, initiating Greece'sparticipation in World War II.
Later that same morning, citizens across Greece, irrespective of political affiliation, took to the streets, shouting "όχι" as they marched in protest.
As a result, Ohi Day has been commemorated annually since 1942 on October 28. Originally observed by resistance members only, it became a national holiday after World War II and continues to be celebrated by Greek-speaking communities across the world today.[3][4]
Presently, Ohi Day is a national public holiday in Greece and Cyprus, and is marked by military parades, church services, and community gatherings celebrating the importance of national sovereignty and resilience in the face of adversity. This is meant to foster a sense of unity and remembrance, and pay tribute to those who stood against fascism during an exceptionally tumultuous period in Europe’s history.[5]
The word "όχι" first appeared in the newspaperEllinikon Mellon (transl. Hellenic Future) on October 30, 1940 as the title of an article written by Nikos P. Efstratiou.
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