Athens Greece: Celebrating Ochi (“No”) Day
I was in Greece for the 28th October this year. This day is a national holiday – Ochi Day or ‘No’ Day.
In 1940 Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini ordered the Greek government under General Ioannis Metaxas to surrender. General Metaxas said ‘Ochi’ or ‘No’ they would not surrender and then they proceeded to drive the Italians all the way to the Albanian border. This was the day that Greece entered into the second world war (WW2) and took sides with the Allies. Because of this decision and their actions the Russians were not able to advance in the spring time which would have been a lot easier for them but had to wait until the harsh winter which would go on to cost them the lives of many of their soldiers and to weaken thousands more. The troops were too weak to fight and the course of the war was set.
All over Greece school children along with many military as well as local emergency services parade through the streets to remember this day. All dressed in their school uniforms, their badges proudly pinned on the fronts of their jumpers.
Each school formed a group and took their place at the start of the parade route.
We were about half an hour outside of Athens however the children didn’t have to walk all the way into the city!
There were flags flying high as well as being carried through the streets.
It is always interesting to share a special occasion in another country, another culture from your own. Have you ever experienced a proud national day anywhere . Leave a comment please, I would love to hear about it.
You can read more about my trip to Athens by clicking below:-
Athens Greece: Riding on the Athens Metro
Athens Greece: Vouliagmeni Lake
Athens Greece: Impact Hub Community Program
I had never heard of this parade, it’s always interesting to learn more about different cultures.
The children were really enjoying taking part!
Its so good to learn different cultures when you travel. This is really interesting, I did not know about this celebration. Its also good that the children are carrying forward this tradition and taking part in the celebrations.
I found this really interesting. Most places celebrate the end of the war so this was really a different angle.
Greece is one place that I love to visit again.. Thanks for sharing the lovely ipics and info of this event.
It was my first time to mainland Greece. I look forward to going again early next year.
Interesting post… Nice to learn about different cultures. Thanks for sharing with us.
I found this a really interesting celebration.
There’s so much about world history and traditions we could all learn about. I did go to a Hindi festival when I was in Mauritius, it was fascinating as so unlike my own culture!