October 28th OXI Day in Greece marks one of the most powerful moments of national pride and resistance in modern history. On this day in 1940, Greece refused to surrender to the Axis powers, uniting the country under one defiant word — “Όχι!” (“No!”). What followed became a symbol of courage and freedom that still defines the Greek spirit today.
On October 28, 1940, in the early hours before dawn, Greece was awakened by an ultimatum that would define its modern history. At 3:00 a.m., the Italian ambassador to Greece, Emanuele Grazzi, arrived at the home of the Greek Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas, in Athens. He delivered a message from Mussolini, demanding that Greece allow Axis forces to occupy strategic locations within the country — essentially to surrender without resistance.
Metaxas’ reply was brief, firm, and would become legendary:
“Alors, c’est la guerre” (“Then, it is war”).
According to popular memory, this was simplified by the Greek people into a single, defiant word — “Όχι!” (No!). Within hours, that one word echoed across the country, becoming a rallying cry for freedom, dignity, and national unity.
The Invasion Begins
At dawn on October 28, Italian troops crossed the Greek border from Albania, expecting a swift victory. Instead, they were met with fierce resistance. Greek soldiers, poorly equipped but determined, fought bravely in the mountains of Epirus and Western Macedonia, pushing back the invaders in one of the first successful Allied defenses of World War II.
Ordinary men and women — farmers, shepherds, and villagers — joined in the national effort. In the mountainous terrain, local people carried supplies, nursed the wounded, and sang songs of courage and defiance. The Greek army, driven by morale and unity, managed to push Italian forces deep into Albanian territory by early 1941.
From Resistance to Occupation
But victory was short-lived. In April 1941, Germany invaded Greece to assist its faltering ally. After weeks of intense battles, Athens fell, and the country entered one of the darkest periods in its history — the Axis Occupation (1941–1944).
Despite hardship, famine, and repression, the spirit of October 28th endured. The Greek Resistance was born from the same spirit that had shouted “Όχι” — the refusal to submit, the insistence on freedom at any cost. Across mountains and villages, resistance groups fought the occupiers, keeping alive the ideals of liberty and dignity.
October 28th OXI Day in Greece marks one of the most powerful moments of national pride and resistance in modern history. On this day in 1940, Greece refused to surrender to the Axis powers, uniting the country under one defiant word — “Όχι!” (“No!”). What followed became a symbol of courage and freedom that still defines the Greek spirit today.
The Ultimatum and the Answer
Before dawn on October 28, 1940, Greece faced an ultimatum that would shape its destiny. At 3:00 a.m., the Italian ambassador to Greece, Emanuele Grazzi, arrived at the home of Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas. He delivered a message from Mussolini demanding that Greece allow Axis troops to occupy strategic positions — essentially asking for its surrender.
Metaxas gave a short and decisive reply:
“Alors, c’est la guerre” (“Then, it is war”).
The Greek people soon transformed this phrase into a single word that echoed across the nation — “Όχι!” (No!). Within hours, that “No” became a symbol of unity and defiance. People took to the streets shouting, singing, and preparing to defend their homeland.
The Invasion and the Resistance
At dawn, Italian forces crossed the Greek border from Albania. They expected a quick victory. Instead, they met fierce resistance. Greek soldiers, though less equipped, fought with determination in the mountains of Epirus and Western Macedonia.
Meanwhile, ordinary citizens — farmers, shepherds, and villagers — supported the army with supplies and courage. In freezing weather, women of Epirus carried ammunition and food through the rugged terrain. Within weeks, the Greek army pushed the Italian troops back into Albania, winning one of the first Allied victories of World War II.
This triumph inspired hope across occupied Europe. Greece proved that courage and unity could challenge even the strongest enemy.
Occupation and the Birth of the Greek Resistance
However, victory did not last long. In April 1941, Germany invaded to support Italy. After heavy fighting, Athens fell. The country then endured three years of Axis Occupation (1941–1944).
Yet, the spirit of OXI Day never faded. Across Greece, resistance groups emerged, determined to fight for freedom. From the mountains to the cities, they organized sabotage missions, spread information, and protected civilians. The defiant “No” of 1940 became the foundation of a broader resistance movement against fascism.
Commemoration and Legacy
Today, October 28th is one of Greece’s two national days, along with March 25th. It is celebrated as OXI Day, honoring the nation’s courage and unity.
Across the country and in Greek communities abroad, people commemorate this day with military and student parades, speeches, and flag-raising ceremonies. Schools prepare special events with poems and patriotic songs, teaching younger generations the value of freedom and national pride.
The message of OXI Day remains timeless:
Freedom and dignity are never handed to us — they are defended.
Courage can begin with a single word: “No.”
You may watch the relevant video archive about “28η Οκτωβρίου 1940, the first days of the war” here.
You may explore more about Greek in our special session “Understanding Greece”.
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