On 28 October 2026, Greece marks Oxi Day - the national holiday commemorating the country’s refusal to capitulate to Axis forces at the start of World War Two. 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).
It is one of the most widely observed national holidays in Greece, marked with military parades, flag-raising ceremonies, school processions, and official events in cities and villages across the country.
What Happens in Athens and Thessaloniki
The two most significant parades take place in:
Athens: A military and civilian procession along Leoforos Vassilissis Sofias and through the area around Syntagma Square, attended by government officials and military figures. Separate school processions involving students from across the city are a family occasion for most Athenians.
Thessaloniki: The Thessaloniki parade is traditionally the country’s largest, drawing tens of thousands of spectators along Leoforos Nikis near the White Tower. It has a more openly community character than the official Athens ceremony.
Both parades typically begin between 10am and 11am local time on the 28th.
Practical Impacts for Visitors
- Public offices, banks, and schools are closed on the 28th
- Museums and archaeological sites operate on a public holiday schedule - some close entirely, others admit visitors free of charge. The Acropolis typically opens; confirm with each site directly
- Transport: Some central streets in Athens and Thessaloniki close for parade routes. Metro and bus services continue but may run on a reduced timetable
- Restaurants and tourist businesses generally remain open; supermarkets vary
The holiday is secular and civic in character - there are no restrictions on visitor behaviour and the atmosphere is publicly festive rather than solemn.
Visiting Around the Holiday
Late October is one of the better times to visit Greece. Temperatures in Athens sit around 18–22°C, the summer crowds have thinned, and prices are lower than peak season. Watching part of the Athens morning parade before spending the rest of the day at the sites is straightforward to combine.
For visa and entry requirements see our Greece practical guide, and our Athens city guide for the main neighbourhoods, sights, and getting around the city.