Every country has days that define its national spirit, days that resonate through history, shaping the ethos of its people. For Greece, and Greek Cypriots, one such day is “Ochi Day” which is celebrated on October 28. This Greek National Holiday embodies the country’s unwavering spirit and resilience.
History of Ochi Day
At 3.00 am on 28 October 1940, an ultimatum from Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini was handed to former military general and Prime Minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas at his home in Kifissia by the Italian Ambassador of Athens, Emanuele Grazzi. The ultimatum required the free passage of the Italian army through the Greek-Albanian border, signalling the Italian occupation of some strategic areas of Greece.
After reading the letter, Metaxas turned to the Italian Ambassador and famously responded “Ochi!” – “No!” in Greek. That “No!” brought Greece into the second world war on the side of the Allies. Indeed, for a period, Greece was Britain’s only ally against Hitler.
At the time, Metaxas expressed Greek popular sentiment, which was the denial of allegiance. This refusal was passed through to the Greek press with the word ‘Ochi’ (No). The word ‘Oxi’ was first presented as a title in the main article of the newspaper ‘Greek Future’ of N. P. Efstratios on October 30th 1940. Locals all over Athens ran through the streets yelling “Ochi”!
Not only did Greece rebuke Mussolini’s demands, but they also seized the offensive and drove the Italians back through most of Albania.
Had Metaxas not said “No!”, it is arguable that the Second World War may have lasted much longer. One theory is that had Greece surrendered without any resistance, it would have enabled Hitler to have invaded Russia in the spring, rather than his disastrous attempt to take it during winter.
Winston Churchill famously said, at the time of the Greco-Italian war: “Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that Heroes fight like Greeks.”
Speaking in 2019, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said: “October 28 is not just another opportunity to honour our glorious past; it is an opportunity to demonstrate our current understanding of the unity of Hellenism.”
Why “Ochi Day” is More Than a Memory
For many, history lessons are confined to textbooks. Yet, “Ochi Day” is more than a mere historical date for Greeks. Firstly, it is a celebration of the country’s valiant stand against foreign occupation. Secondly, it’s a homage to those who sacrificed their lives for Greece’s tomorrow. Furthermore, it symbolizes Greece’s indefatigable spirit and its unwillingness to bow to external pressures, no matter how dire the circumstances. “Ochi Day” is the epitome of Greek resilience,
Traditions and Celebrations
October 28 sees parades and ceremonies throughout Greece. Schoolchildren, military personnel, and everyday citizens come out in numbers, displaying their pride in being Greek. Additionally, churches conduct special services, and families gather together, when tales of the fierce resistance and eventual triumph are passed down through generations, ensuring that the memories stay alive. Moreover, the day offers an opportunity for Greeks, both in Greece and Cyprus, around the world, to reflect upon their shared heritage.
revPACman 
Strange that when the dna of Greek Cypriots was analysed they were found to be more akin with Turkish Cypriots than the greek population! Also strange to us that Greek Cypriots feel an unseen umbilical cord attaching themselves to Greece when Greeks look down on GCs and feel very little in common with them. However Cyprus has taken all the Greek public holidays along with their own to give themselves more public holidays than almost any other country. But thank you for the article, I was aware of some of the history but not in so much detail.
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