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Ohi Day

Honor the bravery and sacrifice of Greece on Ohi Day by learning about their history, culture, and traditions. Opa!

Wednesday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 28

OBSERVED INGreece

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate Ohi Day on October 28 and honor the courage and bravery of the Greek people! Also known as "Ochi Day" or "No Day", this holiday commemorates the day in 1940 when Greece defiantly rejected an ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. This act of resistance ultimately led to Greece's involvement in World War II. Today, Ohi Day is celebrated with parades, military displays, and patriotic festivities throughout Greece. So let's join in the celebration and pay tribute to the strength and resilience of the Greek nation!

TIMELINE

Ohi Day Timeline

Mussolini's Ultimatum

On October 28, 1940, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini issued an ultimatum to Greece demanding their surrender, which was defiantly rejected by Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas.

Greece Enters World War II

Following the rejection of the Italian ultimatum, Greece entered World War II on the side of the Allies.

Battle of Greece

In 1941, the combined forces of Nazi Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria invaded Greece leading to the Battle of Greece which ended in June with the Greek and British Commonwealth forces retreating.

Greek Liberation

In October 1944, Greece was liberated from the Axis powers by the National Liberation Front and British Commonwealth troops.

First Ohi Day Celebration

In 1945, the first official celebration of Ohi Day took place in Greece to commemorate the courage and bravery shown by the Greek population during World War II.

Annual Celebrations

Today, Ohi Day is celebrated annually on October 28 with parades, military displays, and patriotic festivities throughout Greece and Greek communities worldwide.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Ohi Day

Attend a parade

Many cities and towns in Greece hold parades to celebrate Ohi Day. Attend one and be a part of the lively festivities, filled with traditional music, dancing, and costumes.

LEARN

Learn about Greek history

Ohi Day commemorates Greece's rejection of an ultimatum from Italy during World War II. Take some time to learn more about this important moment in Greek history and its significance to the country.

COOK

Cook and enjoy traditional Greek dishes

What better way to celebrate Ohi Day than by indulging in delicious Greek cuisine? Look up recipes for dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, or baklava and have a feast with friends and family.

VISIT

Visit a Greek cultural center or museum

Immerse yourself in Greek culture by visiting a local cultural center or museum. You can learn about traditional dances, music, and customs, and gain a deeper understanding of Greek heritage.

ENJOY

Enjoy a Greek movie night

Greece has a rich cinematic history, so why not have a movie night featuring some of the country's most iconic films? From "Zorba the Greek" to "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," there are plenty of options to choose from.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Ohi Day is Important

It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs

The Ohi Day motto, "No day shall erase you from the memory of time," serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity and oppression, standing up for what is right and refusing to give in can have a lasting impact. Ohi Day celebrates the courage and resilience of the Greek people and serves as an inspiration for others to follow suit.

It commemorates a significant event in Greek history

Ohi Day, also known as the Day of No, commemorates the refusal of the Greek Prime Minister to surrender to Italian forces during World War II. This act of defiance played a crucial role in the eventual defeat of Axis powers and is an important moment in Greek history.

It celebrates Greek culture and heritage

Ohi Day is a national holiday in Greece and is celebrated with parades, speeches, and cultural events. It is a time for Greeks to come together and honor their history and traditions, showcasing the unique aspects of their culture to the world.

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