Greece marks the 86th anniversary of the 'Ohi' Day

On October 28, 2026, Greece marks the 86th anniversary of the events of 1940, honoring the national resistance against fascist forces. On the dawn of October 28, 1940, Italian ambassador Emanuele Grazzi delivered an ultimatum to Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas, demanding the occupation of strategic positions within Greece. Metaxas famously rejected the demand with the response, “Alors, c'est la guerre” (Well, it is war), an act of defiance historically known as “Ohi” (No).

Despite the ultimatum’s deadline not yet expiring, Italian forces launched an attack from Albania at 5:30 a.m. The Greek army successfully halted the initial invasion in the Epirus and Pindus regions before launching a counter-offensive. Historians and analysts emphasize that this resistance was a pivotal moment in World War II, as it delayed the advance of Nazi Germany and provided a significant strategic impact on the overall trajectory of the conflict.

Today, the anniversary serves as a day of remembrance for those who fought on the front lines and those who supported the struggle from behind the scenes. It remains a symbolic date reflecting the nation's commitment to freedom and its historical stand against the spread of fascism in Europe.