Ohi Day is a national holiday observed annually in Greece and Cyprus on October 28th. The day commemorates a defining moment of national resolve during the early stages of World War II, marking Greece’s rejection of an ultimatum from the Axis powers. This refusal immediately plunged the nation into conflict and symbolizes resistance and national sovereignty for the Greek people.
The Historical Event: The Ultimatum and the “Ohi” Response
The events commemorated by Ohi Day unfolded in the early hours of October 28, 1940, when Italian Ambassador Emanuele Grazzi arrived at the residence of Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas in Athens. Grazzi delivered a written ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, demanding that Greece allow Axis forces to enter and occupy strategic locations, including ports and airfields, without resistance. The ultimatum stipulated that failure to comply by 6:00 AM would result in a state of war between the two nations.
Metaxas’s response was a definitive rejection, immortalized in Greek history. While the popular narrative holds that he responded with the single Greek word “Ohi” (meaning “No”), the actual exchange, conducted in French, the diplomatic language of the time, was slightly more formal. Metaxas is recorded as having stated, “Alors, c’est la guerre!” which translates to “Then, it is war!”
The single word “Ohi” was quickly adopted by the Greek press and the public, who took to the streets that morning shouting the word in a spontaneous display of national unity. This widespread embrace transformed the diplomatic rejection into a unifying national slogan. The rejection of the ultimatum signaled Greece’s unwavering decision to fight rather than submit to foreign occupation.
The Immediate Aftermath: The Start of the Greco-Italian War
The Italian military launched their invasion from Italian-controlled Albania at 5:30 AM, half an hour before the 6:00 AM deadline. This action marked the beginning of the Greco-Italian War, a conflict that saw the Greek army immediately mobilized to defend the mountainous border regions. The initial Italian offensive was hampered by the difficult terrain of the Pindus mountains and the onset of harsh winter weather.
Despite being outnumbered and less equipped than the invading forces, the Greek army mounted an effective defense. Within weeks, the Greek forces halted the Italian advance and launched a successful counter-offensive. By mid-November 1940, the Greek army had pushed the Italian forces back across the border and advanced deep into Albanian territory.
The Greek counter-offensive continued for several months, resulting in the capture of Albanian towns and strategic mountain passes. This unexpected victory was the first major setback for the Axis powers in World War II, providing a significant morale boost to the Allied cause. The successful defense forced the Italian military to divert substantial resources and ultimately required German intervention to prevent a complete Italian collapse in the region.
Modern Observance and National Significance
Ohi Day is recognized as one of the two most important national holidays in Greece and is also a public holiday in Cyprus. The day is marked by solemn ceremonies and public displays of patriotism across the country. Athens and the northern city of Thessaloniki host large military parades showcasing the nation’s armed forces.
Student parades are a central feature of the observance in every town and village. Schoolchildren, often dressed in traditional attire, march in formation, with the honor of carrying the national flag reserved for the top-performing students. Public buildings and private homes are decorated with the blue and white Greek flag.
The modern observance of Ohi Day serves as a reminder of the nation’s capacity for courage and resistance. It symbolizes the collective will of the Greek people to defend their freedom and independence, cementing the 1940 refusal as a foundational element of modern Greek national identity. The holiday continues to celebrate the spirit of unity and defiance that characterized the nation’s stand against aggression.