Ochi Day (Greece and Cyprus)
Ochi Day, celebrated on October 28 each year in Greece and Cyprus, commemorates a pivotal moment in World War II when Greek general Ioannis Metaxas famously refused an ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in 1940. The demand was rooted in Italy's desire to occupy Greece, claiming it was necessary to prevent British military operations from the Greek territory. Metaxas' resolute response of "Ochi," meaning "no" in Greek, sparked a wave of national pride and resistance. Despite facing overwhelming odds, the Greek forces initially repelled the Italian invasion, pushing them back into Albania. However, German intervention ultimately led to Greece's occupation. Ochi Day serves as a public holiday marked by military parades, church services, and various community celebrations, reflecting the significance of national sovereignty and resilience in the face of adversity for both Greeks and Cypriots. The observance fosters a sense of unity and remembrance, honoring those who stood against fascism during a tumultuous period in history.
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Ochi Day (Greece and Cyprus)
Ochi Day (Greece and Cyprus)
October 28 of every year is Ochi Day in Greece and Cyprus, a fixed public holiday in both lands. Greece is located in southeastern Europe on the Mediterranean, and Cyprus is a large island not far offshore which has always had a large Greek presence. Also known as "Ohi Day" or "Oxi Day," Ochi Day honors that occasion on October 28, 1940, when Greek general Ioannis Metaxas refused to grant Italian forces under Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini permission to occupy Greece.
Mussolini's pretext for his demand was that Italy needed to occupy Greece in order to prevent it from being used as a staging ground for a British attack, since Greece was allied with Great Britain, but Britain and Italy were enemies during these early years of World War II. Metaxas was the leader of Greece, having seized power in 1936, and made King George II a puppet ruler while consolidating real power in his own hands. The Italians, backed by Adolf Hitler's Germany, were certain to prevail over the Greeks, since the relatively small Greek army was in no position to fight the massive German military if Hitler intervened on Mussolini's behalf. However, Metaxas famously replied to the Italian demand with one word: Ochi! (Greek for “no”). When the Italians invaded he led the Greek resistance with such success that he not only repelled the Italian forces but drove them back into the neighboring nation of Albania, which the Italians had already conquered. However, the Germans intervened and the Greeks were defeated, then incorporated into the Nazi empire. Metaxas died on January 29, 1941, before the German occupation began. Today, Ochi Day is honored with a variety of parades, particularly military parades, special church services, and other observances.
Bibliography
"National Anniversary Day in Greece in 2020." Office Holidays, www.officeholidays.com/holidays/greece/greece-national-day. Accessed 9 Apr. 2020.
"Oxi Day in Athens." Why Athens,
"The Story of 'Ohi' Day." Athens Insiders, www.athensinsiders.com/blog/the-story-of-ohi-day. Accessed 9 Apr. 2020.