Oxi Day 2027: Greece's October National Holiday

On 28 October 2027, Greece marks Oxi Day - the national holiday commemorating the country’s refusal to capitulate to Axis forces in 1940. When Italian ambassador Emanuele Grazzi delivered an ultimatum to Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas in the early hours of 28 October 1940, Metaxas reportedly replied with a single word: Ochi (No). Greece subsequently repelled the Italian invasion, and the date has been observed as a national holiday ever since.

What Happens Across Greece

Athens - A military and civilian procession along Leoforos Vassilissis Sofias and through Syntagma Square, attended by government officials and senior military figures. Separate student processions involving schools from across Attica are a central part of the day.

Thessaloniki - The Thessaloniki parade is traditionally Greece’s largest Oxi Day event, drawing tens of thousands of spectators along Leoforos Nikis near the White Tower. It has a strong community character and draws Greeks from across northern Greece and the diaspora.

Both parades typically begin between 10:00 and 11:00 local time. Smaller ceremonies and parades take place in towns and villages across the country throughout the morning.

Practical Impacts for Visitors

• Public offices, banks, and schools are closed on 28 October
• Museums and archaeological sites operate on a public holiday schedule - some offer free entry, others are closed. The Acropolis typically opens; confirm with individual sites
• Transport: Central streets in Athens and Thessaloniki close for parade routes; Metro and bus services continue but may run on a reduced schedule
• Restaurants and tourist businesses generally remain open

Visiting Around the Holiday

Late October is an excellent time to visit Greece. Temperatures in Athens sit around 18–22°C, summer crowds have thinned significantly, and accommodation prices are well below peak season. The combination of a national holiday atmosphere, mild weather, and reduced crowds makes late October one of the more rewarding times to be in Greece.

For the full picture on travelling to Greece in autumn, see our best time to visit Greece guide. For the Athens parade specifically, the area around Syntagma Square and Leoforos Vassilissis Sofias fills quickly - arrive at least an hour before the parade starts if you want a good viewing position.

Planning Athens experiences around the holiday? Browse Athens tours and experiences on GetYourGuide - many run daily regardless of public holidays.