Ochi Day in Greece (28th October 1940)

The national holiday on October 28th, known as Ochi Day, commemorates Greece's refusal to surrender to the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary - later) in 1940. Celebrations on October 28th include parades with students and military units and wreath-laying ceremonies. 

• What it is: A national holiday celebrating the 1940 rejection of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's ultimatum by Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas. The refusal marked Greece's entry into World War II.
• Significance: It is known as the "no" day ("Ochi") and is a celebration of national pride and resistance against tyranny
• Activities:
  • Parades: Major parades are held in Athens, Thessaloniki, and other towns, with students and military units marching.
  • Ceremonies: Wreath-laying ceremonies take place at monuments.
  • Decorations: Public buildings and homes are decorated with Greek flags.
  • School events: Students perform poems, sing songs, and participate in the parades.
  • Cultural events: Museums and historical sites often have special events and may offer free admission. 
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