Ohi Day

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Civic Federal Historical
Where:: Greece
Date change rule:: Every October 28
Holiday emoji:: 🇬🇷

Ohi Day, observed annually on October 28, commemorates Greece’s courageous refusal of an Italian ultimatum in 1940. This pivotal moment of defiance is celebrated by Greeks globally. Honor the spirit of resistance by learning about its history, participating in local events, or sharing its significance.

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Expected Ohi Day Deals

On Ohi Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to cultural remembrance and patriotic observances. Organizations like the Hellenic American National Council and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) often host educational seminars, historical exhibits, and community gatherings. Greek cultural centers and schools worldwide organize special events, parades, and theatrical performances to mark the occasion. Many Greek-owned businesses may offer special promotions or host events that highlight Greek heritage. We will update this page with confirmed live events as October 28 approaches.

Platform Guide for Ohi Day

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #OhiDay. Share historical facts, archival photos, or quotes related to Greece’s defiance in 1940.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #OhiDay. Share community event details, personal stories, or reflections on Greek heritage and resilience.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #OhiDay. Post visuals from Ohi Day parades, traditional Greek attire, or historical imagery that captures the spirit of the day.

Ohi Day Hero

Ioannis Metaxas

Ioannis Metaxas served as the Prime Minister of Greece from 1936 until his death in 1941. On October 28, 1940, he famously responded 'Ohi!' ('No!') to an ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, demanding that Axis forces be allowed to enter Greece. This courageous refusal marked Greece's entry into World War II and became a powerful symbol of national resistance and defiance.

History of Ohi Day

Ioannis Metaxas, the formal military general and the prime minister of Greece was given an ultimatum by the Italian prime minister, Benito Mussolini, in the Greco-Italian War. The Italian army required a passage to access the Greek-Albanian border. The ultimatum signaled the occupation of the Italian army of some areas of Greece.

Metaxas rejected the ultimatum by allegedly saying “Then it is war!” His refusal caused Greece to stand on the side of the Allies in the Second World War. The word “Oxi” became synonymous with this day as it represented the day the Greeks said “No” to the Italians trying to invade their country. The locals ran across the streets while screaming “Oxi”. The Greeks not only refused Mussolini’s wishes but they also made the Italians fall back from Albania. It is believed that if Metaxas hadn’t said no, the Second World War would have lasted longer.

There were many theories regarding the refusal of the Italian ultimatum, one of which is that if Greece had approved Italy’s entry, Hitler would have invaded Russia in spring rather than winter. During the time of the Greco-Italian War, Winston Churchill stated that from then onwards they would say “heroes fight like Greeks” rather than “Greeks fight like heroes.”

Ohi Day timeline

The Mid-1930s

The Italian Prime Minister’s Foreign Policy

The Prime Minister of Italy instates a foreign policy and occupies Albania.

September 1939

Second World War Starts

The Second World War begins and the Italians accelerate their preparations to attack Albania.

October 1940

Mussolini’s Ultimatum

Mussolini, the Italian prime minister, gives an ultimatum to Greece’s prime minister, which is rejected.

1942

The First Celebration

Ohi Day is celebrated for the first time.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Ohi Day

Local businesses, especially those with Greek ownership or a focus on international culture, can honor Ohi Day by displaying Greek flags, sharing historical information about the day, or hosting cultural events. Restaurants might feature special Greek dishes, while bookstores could highlight books on Greek history or literature. Educational institutions can organize lectures or screenings of documentaries about Greece’s role in World War II, fostering a deeper understanding of this significant historical event.

Ohi Day FAQs

When is Ohi Day?

Ohi Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, October 28. This annual observance commemorates Greece’s courageous refusal of an Italian ultimatum during World War II.

How many people celebrate Ohi Day?

Millions of Greeks worldwide, including those in Greece, Cyprus, and the global diaspora, commemorate Ohi Day. It is a significant cultural and patriotic event.

What does 'Ohi' mean?

‘Ohi’ (pronounced ‘o-hee’) is the Greek word for ‘No!’ and symbolizes the emphatic rejection of the Italian ultimatum on October 28, 1940, which led to Greece’s entry into World War II.

Is Ohi Day a public holiday?

Yes, Ohi Day is a public holiday in Greece and Cyprus, marked by military parades, school commemorations, and public celebrations of national pride and historical remembrance.

How to Celebrate The Ohi Day

Listen to Ohi Day songs
On this special day, people listen to many popular songs such as “Women of Epirus” and the Greek march “Pindos”. Events are held in which these songs are played, especially in parades.
Enjoy the military parade
There are military parades arranged on Ohi Day and students also take part in parades. These parades show the importance of this day. Many war veterans also take part in this day but every year their numbers are decreasing due to their age.
Make your own Greek flag
Ohi Day can also be celebrated by decorating flags or by singing the national anthem. The name of the National Anthem is “Hymn to Liberty,” which is usually heard at the end of events. People stand while singing the national anthem to show respect.

5 Amazing Facts About Ohi Day

The Greeks pushed back the Italians
Following the invasion of Italy into the country, the Greeks pushed the Italians back to the border within four months.
The first nation to win a battle against Axis powers
Although the military of Greece was not that strong and prepared, they were the first nation to win a battle against the Axis Powers during the Second World War.
The defeat of Greece
The Axis Powers were eventually able to defeat Greece when Hitler sent military aid to Italy.
The division of Greece
Following the defeat of Greece, the nation was divided into Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria.
The government officials
The government officials were exiled to Egypt.

Why We Observe Ohi Day

The defeat of the Axis Powers
This day celebrates the Greeks’ valiant and strong efforts against Italy. The events of this day resulted in the defeat of the Axis Powers in the Second World War. The Greeks won although they did not have as strong a military army compared to the Italians.
It educates the next generation
This day serves to educate the next generations about the important contributions of the Greeks in the Second World War. We celebrate this day to do a good job in educating the world about this important event.
It celebrates bravery
We celebrate this day to remember the bravery of the Greeks and how they were able to push back the Italian army within months of their invasion. The Greeks showed great heroism and efforts in protecting their country.