Next: 28 Oct 2026
Oxi Day
Greece's "No" day: school and military parades, blue and white flags, and the memory of 1940.
When is Oxi Day in 2026?
Oxi Day 2026 is on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Other years: 2027, Thursday, 28 October 2027; 2028, Saturday, 28 October 2028.
About Oxi Day
Oxi Day, 28 October, remembers the day in 1940 when Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas, according to the story, rejected Italy's ultimatum to allow its forces into Greece, with the single word "Oxi", no. Greece then entered the Second World War. Across the country, towns hold parades of schoolchildren in traditional costume and in uniform, and military displays, notably in Athens and Thessaloniki, with flags in blue and white hanging in every street. Veterans lay wreaths at monuments, and churches hold services. Many families head to the villages and tavernas for a meal. The day is also a good time to eat Greek dishes such as bean soup, fasolada, and honey-cakes. It is observed by Greek Cypriots too.
Oxi Day dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Oxi Day date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday, 28 October 2026 |
| 2027 | Thursday, 28 October 2027 |
| 2028 | Saturday, 28 October 2028 |
What is eaten
- fasolada
- souvlaki
- loukoumades
Also part of it, and being written: Greco-Italian War (The conflict that followed.), Ioannis Metaxas (The leader of 1940.), Evzones (The ceremonial guards.).
More marked on Oxi Day
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Background: "Ohi Day" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.