Ohi Day 2023: Date, History, Significance , Facts about Ohi Day

Ohi Day 2023: Ohi Day, alternatively referred to as Oxi Day or Ochi Day, is annually observed on October 28 in Greece, Cyprus, and among the Greek diaspora. On October 28, 1940, during the Greco-Italian War, this day is observed in remembrance of the moment when the then-prime minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas, refused to allow Italian troops to cross Greece’s frontier. Following the Italians’ ultimatum, he replied in French (the diplomatic language at the time) that Greece would not budge from their demand, even if it meant declaring war. This sparked widespread acclaim for Metaxas’s denial, prompting citizens to take to the streets and chant “Oxi!” (Greek for “No!”). Millions of Greeks view this as a heroic deed and consider Metaxas’ decision to be significant.

Ohi Day 2023: History

Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini issued an ultimatum to Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas, the country’s official military general and leader during the Greco-Italian War. Passage was necessary for the Italian army to gain access to the Greek-Albanian frontier. In response to the ultimatum, the Italian army occupied some areas of Greece.

“Then it is war!” is purportedly the response of Metaxas in defiance of the ultimatum. Due to his defiance, Greece aligned itself with the Allies during the Second World War. This day became synonymous with the term “Oxi” due to the fact that it signified the Greeks’ refusal to allow the Italians to invade their country. They ran through the streets yelling “Oxi” as they did so. In addition to rejecting Mussolini’s requests, the Greeks forced the Italians to retreat from Albania. There is a belief that the duration of the Second World War would have been extended had Metaxas not declined.

Numerous hypotheses arose concerning the Italian ultimatum’s rejection, one of which postulated that Hitler’s invasion of Russia would have occurred in the spring rather than winter had Greece sanctioned Italy’s entry. Winston Churchill stated during the Greco-Italian War that henceforth, the expression “heroes fight like Greeks” would be used instead of “Greeks fight like heroes.”

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Five Remarkable Facts about OHI Day

• Four months after the Italian invasion of the nation, the Greeks successfully repelled the Italian forces to the border.
• Despite having an underprepared and feeble military, Greece achieved the historic feat of being the first nation to prevail in combat against the Axis Powers throughout the Second World War.
• Following Hitler’s provision of military assistance to Italy, the Axis Powers ultimately defeated Greece.
• The nation of Greece was partitioned into Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria subsequent to its defeat.
• Officials of the administration were exiled to Egypt.

The Significance of Observing OHI Day

The defeat of the Axis Powers

This day honors the valiant and formidable Greek efforts in their war against Italy. Due to the occurrences on this day, the Axis Powers were ultimately defeated in the Second World War. In contrast to the Italians, the Greeks triumphed despite possessing a considerably weaker military force.

It imparts knowledge to future generations.

This day is devoted to educating future generations about the significant contributions the Greeks made during World War II. This day is observed so that we may effectively inform the world about this significant occurrence.

It honors bravery

This day is observed to honor the Greeks’ valor in repelling the Italian army from their territory within months of their invasion. The Greeks demonstrated extraordinary valor and diligence in safeguarding their nation.

Ohi Day 2023: Dates