Ohi Day

Ohi Day, observed on October 28, is a major national day in Greece that commemorates the country’s refusal to accept an ultimatum from Fascist Italy in 1940. The word “Ohi” means “No,” symbolizing the Greek people’s determination to defend their independence and stand against aggression during World War II.

The day is marked with military and school parades, Greek flags, patriotic ceremonies, and religious services. Families and communities come together to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who defended Greece, while reflecting on the enduring values of freedom, unity, and resilience.

Ohi Day, observed on October 28, commemorates Greece’s rejection of an ultimatum delivered by Fascist Italy in 1940. Italian leader Benito Mussolini demanded that Greece allow Axis forces to occupy strategic locations in the country. Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas refused, reportedly replying in French, “Alors, c’est la guerre” (“Then it is war”). The brief response was later expressed in popular memory as “Ohi,” meaning “No,” giving the observance its name.

The refusal led to the Greco-Italian War, which began when Italian forces invaded Greece from Albania on October 28, 1940. Despite Italy’s military strength, Greek forces resisted and pushed the invaders back into Albania, an important early Allied success during the Second World War. Germany eventually invaded Greece in April 1941, overwhelming Greek and Allied defenses and beginning the occupation of the country. Ohi Day therefore recalls not only the initial refusal but also the determination and sacrifices of Greek soldiers and civilians during the war.

The observance developed during the difficult years of occupation and became an established national commemoration after Greece was liberated. Over time, its meaning expanded beyond the specific exchange between Metaxas and Italy. “Ohi” came to symbolize national independence, opposition to coercion, and the willingness of a society to defend its sovereignty even under overwhelming pressure. Although the wartime decision was made by an authoritarian government, later commemorations generally emphasize the collective resistance of the Greek people rather than political admiration for Metaxas.

Today, October 28 is a public holiday in Greece and is marked by military parades, school celebrations, religious services, speeches, and displays of the national flag. Communities honor those who fought in the 1940–41 campaign and remember the broader suffering caused by the Axis occupation. Ohi Day remains one of Greece’s most important national observances because it connects a defining episode of modern Greek history with enduring themes of courage, self-determination, and national unity.