Royal, civic and national ceremonyEurope
Ohi Day
In its own language: Επέτειος του Όχι
A Greek national holiday on October 28 that marks the refusal of an Italian ultimatum in 1940.
Ohi Day is a public holiday observed in Greece and Cyprus on October 28 each year. It honors the rejection of an Italian demand for military access in 1940 and the subsequent defense of the nation during World War II.
When is Ohi Day in 2026?
Ohi Day 2026 is on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Other years: 2027, Thursday, 28 October 2027; 2028, Saturday, 28 October 2028.
Ohi Day is a national observance in Greece and Cyprus held annually on October 28. The day commemorates the historic refusal of an Italian ultimatum in 1940 and the subsequent resistance against Axis forces during World War II.
Origins of the refusal
The event began shortly after three in the morning on October 28, 1940. The Italian ambassador to Greece visited Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas at his residence. He delivered an ultimatum demanding that Italian troops be allowed to occupy strategic locations within Greek territory. Metaxas rejected the demand with a single word in Greek, meaning no. Historical records indicate he may have actually replied in French that war would follow. This refusal triggered an immediate invasion by Italian forces stationed in neighboring Albania.
Public response and history
Following the initial attack, citizens across the country took to the streets later that same morning. People from all political backgrounds marched together, shouting the word for no in protest. The annual commemoration started in 1942 among resistance members. After the war ended, it was established as a permanent national public holiday. The date remains a significant moment for remembering national sovereignty and resilience against fascism throughout Europe.
Modern celebrations
Today, the holiday is marked by formal military parades and student processions in major cities. Church services are held alongside community gatherings to honor those who defended the country. The observance extends beyond the borders of Greece and Cyprus to Greek communities worldwide. These events serve to foster unity and remembrance of the historical struggle. The day stands as a tribute to the courage shown during a turbulent period in history.
How Ohi Day is kept
People observe Ohi Day through military parades, church services, and student marches. Citizens gather in public spaces to celebrate national resilience. The observance takes place in Greece, Cyprus, and among Greek diaspora communities globally.
When and where
The holiday falls on October 28 every year. It marks the specific date in 1940 when the Italian ultimatum was rejected.
It is primarily kept in Greece and Cyprus. Celebrations also occur in areas with established Greek populations around the world.
What Ohi Day means
The day symbolizes the refusal to surrender national sovereignty. It represents unity across political lines during a time of external threat. The word no embodies the spirit of resistance against fascist aggression.
Days Ohi Day is marked
Ohi Day dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Ohi Day date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday, 28 October 2026 |
| 2027 | Thursday, 28 October 2027 |
| 2028 | Saturday, 28 October 2028 |
Questions people ask about Ohi Day
When is Ohi Day in 2026?
Ohi Day 2026 is on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Other years: 2027, Thursday, 28 October 2027; 2028, Saturday, 28 October 2028.
What is Ohi Day?
Ohi Day is a national holiday in Greece and Cyprus. It commemorates the rejection of an Italian ultimatum in 1940 and the start of Greek resistance in World War II.
Where is Ohi Day observed?
It is a public holiday in Greece and Cyprus. Greek communities around the world also hold parades and gatherings to mark the occasion.
See also
Independence DayThe United States' national day of parades, barbecues and fireworks, kept each July 4
Bastille DayFrance's national day marking the storming of the Bastille and the unity of the people on 14 July.
Canada DayA national holiday on July 1 that marks the 1867 union of Canadian colonies into a single dominion.Good reading and sources
- Ohi Day on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Ohi Day", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryParampara rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.
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