Ohi Day Celebrations (Oct. 28)
Hello Boundless Families! As you might already know, the 28th of October is a national holiday in Greece, but do you know why? It is to honour the Ohi Day!
Ohi Day, also known as Oxi Day or Ochi Day, is commemorated each year on October 28 in Greece and Cyprus, and by all the Greeks living around the world. This day is celebrated in remembrance of the moment when the then prime minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas, refused to let the Italian troops enter Greece’s border on October 28, 1940, during the Greco-Italian War. After receiving an ultimatum from the Italians, he responded in French (which was the diplomatic language at that time) that Greece refused their demand even if it led to war. Following this, Metaxas’s refusal became famous around the country and the people came out to the streets, shouting “Oxi!” (which means “No!” in Greek). This is remembered as a brave decision by Metaxas and is believed by millions of Greeks to be a heroic act.
WHY WE OBSERVE OHI DAY
The defeat of the Axis Powers: This day celebrates the Greeks’ valiant and strong efforts against Italy. The events of this day resulted in the defeat of the Axis Powers in the Second World War. The Greeks won although they did not have as strong a military army compared to the Italians.
It educates the next generation: This day serves to educate the next generations about the important contributions of the Greeks in the Second World War. We celebrate this day to do a good job in educating the world about this important event.
It celebrates bravery: We celebrate this day to remember the bravery of the Greeks and how they were able to push back the Italian army within months of their invasion. The Greeks showed great heroism and efforts in protecting their country.
HOW TO CELEBRATE THE OHI DAY
Listen to Ohi Day songs: On this special day, people listen to many popular songs such as “Women of Epirus” and the Greek march “Pindos”. Events are held in which these songs are played, especially in parades.
Enjoy the parade: There are parades arranged on Ohi Day where students take part in parades. These parades show the importance of this day. Many war veterans also take part in this day.
Eat with your family: After the parade, greek families and friends gather and eat together. In Syros, families go to the villages outside of Hermoupolis at restaurants and eat together.
HOW WE WILL CELEBRATE OHI DAY IN SYROS WITH BOUNDLESS
Enjoy the parade: We will gather at Miaoulis Statue at 10:30 to find the best spot to watch the parade that will start at 11:00
Eat together as a big Greek family: After the parade ends at about 13:00, we recommend that we all go to have lunch together at a restaurant.
Sign-up is available through the portal to reserve your spot.
Please Note: There will be a set menu offered by the restaurant, which costs €30 per person and will be paid directly to them. This menu includes a delightful mix of traditional flavors and beverages, but alcoholic drinks are not included in the price.
Date: Monday October 28 at 11:00am
Location: Miaoulis Statue
Sign up deadline: Friday 4th of October at 12:00
Ohi Day Celebrations (Oct. 28)
Hello Boundless Families! As you might already know, the 28th of October is a national holiday in Greece, but do you know why? It is to honour the Ohi Day!
Ohi Day, also known as Oxi Day or Ochi Day, is commemorated each year on October 28 in Greece and Cyprus, and by all the Greeks living around the world. This day is celebrated in remembrance of the moment when the then prime minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas, refused to let the Italian troops enter Greece’s border on October 28, 1940, during the Greco-Italian War. After receiving an ultimatum from the Italians, he responded in French (which was the diplomatic language at that time) that Greece refused their demand even if it led to war. Following this, Metaxas’s refusal became famous around the country and the people came out to the streets, shouting “Oxi!” (which means “No!” in Greek). This is remembered as a brave decision by Metaxas and is believed by millions of Greeks to be a heroic act.
WHY WE OBSERVE OHI DAY
The defeat of the Axis Powers: This day celebrates the Greeks’ valiant and strong efforts against Italy. The events of this day resulted in the defeat of the Axis Powers in the Second World War. The Greeks won although they did not have as strong a military army compared to the Italians.
It educates the next generation: This day serves to educate the next generations about the important contributions of the Greeks in the Second World War. We celebrate this day to do a good job in educating the world about this important event.
It celebrates bravery: We celebrate this day to remember the bravery of the Greeks and how they were able to push back the Italian army within months of their invasion. The Greeks showed great heroism and efforts in protecting their country.
HOW TO CELEBRATE THE OHI DAY
Listen to Ohi Day songs: On this special day, people listen to many popular songs such as “Women of Epirus” and the Greek march “Pindos”. Events are held in which these songs are played, especially in parades.
Enjoy the parade: There are parades arranged on Ohi Day where students take part in parades. These parades show the importance of this day. Many war veterans also take part in this day.
Eat with your family: After the parade, greek families and friends gather and eat together. In Syros, families go to the villages outside of Hermoupolis at restaurants and eat together.
HOW WE WILL CELEBRATE OHI DAY IN SYROS WITH BOUNDLESS
Enjoy the parade: We will gather at Miaoulis Statue at 10:30 to find the best spot to watch the parade that will start at 11:00
Eat together as a big Greek family: After the parade ends at about 13:00, we recommend that we all go to have lunch together at a restaurant.
Sign-up is available through the portal to reserve your spot.
Please Note: There will be a set menu offered by the restaurant, which costs €30 per person and will be paid directly to them. This menu includes a delightful mix of traditional flavors and beverages, but alcoholic drinks are not included in the price.
Date: Monday October 28 at 11:00am
Location: Miaoulis Statue
Sign up deadline: Friday 4th of October at 12:00
