Greece commemorates October 28 national holiday

Greece commemorates October 28, a major national holiday known as ‘Ohi Day,’ marking the country’s refusal to succumb to fascist Italy’s demands in 1940. On this day, then-Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas rejected an ultimatum from Benito Mussolini’s government requesting permission for Italian troops to enter strategic Greek locations. This refusal, famously symbolized by the word ‘No,’ led to the Italian invasion via the Greek-Albanian border and the subsequent Greco-Italian War.

The anniversary honors the Greek resistance during World War II, specifically the defense of the Pindus and Epirus mountains. Celebrations across the country include school parades, military processions in Thessaloniki, and wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials.

In the Municipality of Sintiki, local communities such as Sidirokastro and Bambakofyto organize specific commemorative events. These include flag-raising ceremonies, religious services, wreath-laying at local monuments, and parades featuring student groups and local philharmonic bands.