# Greece Ohi Day commemorations and Karamanlis's critique > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greece-october-28-national-anniversary-commemorations > Updated: 2026-10-26T04:00:16.000Z. Sources: 75. Developments: 8. Greece prepared for and subsequently commemorated the October 28 national holiday, known as ‘Ohi Day’, which marks the 1940 refusal of Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas to accept an ultimatum from Benito Mussolini’s fascist Italian government. Leading up to the anniversary, the Ministry of Interior issued instructions to municipalities to organize commemorative events, including wreath-laying ceremonies and parades in locations such as Sintiki, Kastoria, Kalamata, and Syros. Major ceremonies included a military parade in Thessaloniki and saluting volleys from Lycabettus Hill in Athens. In Thessaloniki, celebrations also included the October 26 feast day of Saint Demetrios and the anniversary of the city’s liberation from Ottoman rule. Preparations for the national anniversary also extended to Skydra and Kozani. In Skydra, programs include religious services, school speeches, and a tribute to Sofia Vembo and those fallen in Kallipoli. Kozani planned festivities involving flag displays, illuminated public buildings, and musical performances by the Pandora Philharmonic, alongside official ceremonies in the central square. During a commemorative event at the War Museum organized by the Union of Retired Army Officers, former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis delivered a speech criticizing the Greek government’s handling of relations with Turkey and national strategic interests. Karamanlis characterized the Libyan Parliament's ratification of the Turkey-Libya memorandum as a “negative development” for Greek national interests, describing it as a “provocation of fait accompli” and a demonstration of power by Turkey. He argued this is part of a broader Turkish strategy to overturn the status quo in the Aegean and assert control up to the 25th parallel. Karamanlis specifically warned against seeking permission from or notifying Turkey regarding the Greece-Cyprus electrical interconnection project, stating that doing so would set a dangerous precedent. Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras also attended, criticizing the current government's foreign policy. ## Claims - The speech took place at the War Museum during an event for the Union of Retired Officers. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Kostas Karamanlis characterized the ratification of the Turkey-Libya memorandum as a negative development for Greek interests. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Karamanlis stated that Greece must not seek permission from Turkey for the Greece-Cyprus electrical interconnection project. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Karamanlis claims Turkey's strategy aims to overturn the status quo in the Aegean and control it up to the 25th parallel. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Antonis Samaras was present at the event. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Karamanlis criticized international allies for maintaining equal distance between Greece and Turkey. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Hellenic Police are implementing increased traffic measures from October 27 to October 28, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The measures are intended to ensure safe movement and prevent traffic accidents during the October 28 holiday. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Police will increase presence at airports, ports, and stations. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Enforcement will target speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Police will check for the use of seatbelts and protective helmets. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Inspections will include checking for valid vehicle technical inspections. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: Greece commemorates Thessaloniki liberation and October 28th anniversary Greece marks the liberation of Thessaloniki and the anniversary of the historic 1940 rejection of the Italian ultimatum. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-commemorates-thessaloniki-liberation-and-october-28th-anniversary ### 2026-10-24: Kostas Karamanlis criticizes Turkey-Libya memorandum and Aegean strategy Former Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis warned that Turkey's strategy aims to overturn the Aegean status quo and rejected seeking Turkish permission for the Greece-Cyprus electrical interconnection project. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-commemorates-october-28-national-anniversary-1 ### 2026-10-22: Greece implements road safety measures for October 28 celebrations Greece will implement increased traffic policing and heavy vehicle restrictions from October 27-28, 2026, to ensure road safety during the October 28 national holiday celebrations. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-announces-2026-celebrations-for-october-28-national-anniversary ### 2026-10-20: Greece prepares for national celebrations of October 28th anniversary Municipalities and schools across Greece are organizing parades, ceremonies, and religious services to commemorate the October 28, 1940, national anniversary. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-commemorations-planned-for-october-28-national-anniversary ### 2026-10-20: Thessaloniki announces October festive program Thessaloniki has announced its October 2026 festive program, commemorating the city's liberation, Saint Demetrios, and October 28, featuring religious processions and a military parade. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaloniki-announces-october-festive-program ### 2026-10-20: Greece offers free entry to museums and archaeological sites on October 28 Greek public museums and archaeological sites, including Mycenae and the Acropolis Museum, will offer free admission on October 28, 2026, to mark the National Day. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-offers-free-entry-to-museums-and-archaeological-sites-on-october-28 ### 2026-10-13: Greece commemorates October 28 national holiday Greece celebrates October 28, ‘Ohi Day,’ commemorating the 1940 rejection of the Italian ultimatum and the start of the Greco-Italian War, featuring national parades and local ceremonies. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-commemorates-october-28-national-holiday ### 2026-10-02: Greece prepares for October 28 national anniversary celebrations Greece is organizing national celebrations for the October 28 anniversary, with the Ministry of Interior issuing protocols for municipalities and local regions to conduct ceremonies and parades. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-prepares-for-october-28-national-anniversary-celebrations --- Cite as: Greece Ohi Day commemorations and Karamanlis's critique. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greece-october-28-national-anniversary-commemorations