Greece’s National Holiday: Ohi Day
Greece marks its National Holiday on 28 October, remembering the country’s refusal of an Italian ultimatum in 1940 and the start of the Greco-Italian War. The date is also a compulsory public holiday under Greek labour law for businesses and work that normally close on Sundays and public holidays.[1][2]
A fixed date with legal status
Ohi Day, also written Ochi Day, is observed every year on 28 October. Article 60 of Law 4808/2021 lists it among Greece’s compulsory public holidays for undertakings, businesses and work that do not operate on Sundays and public holidays. The Ministry of Labour’s guidance also says Greek labour law generally prohibits industrial, craft, commercial and professional activity on official public holidays. Some work may be subject to exceptions, so the legal status does not mean that every workplace or service closes.[1]
The legal source names 28 October as the holiday but does not set out a general rule for moving it when it falls on a weekend.[1]
The 1940 ultimatum
The date recalls events early on 28 October 1940. According to the Hellenic Army General Staff, Italy’s ambassador in Athens delivered an ultimatum to Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas, demanding passage for Italian troops and occupation of strategic points in Greece. Metaxas rejected the demand; Italian forces attacked Greek positions on the Greco-Albanian border later that morning, beginning the Greco-Italian War.[2]
The Greek name Ohi means “No.” In official commemorations, the refusal is remembered as a stand against fascist aggression and as a defence of Greece’s freedom and independence. The Ministry of National Defence describes the anniversary as a day of national unity and pride, linking the memory of 1940 to the resistance of the Greek people and armed forces.[2][3]
Parades and public observances
School parades are among the holiday’s public events. The Ministry of Interior has confirmed student parades across Greece for the anniversary and noted that Thessaloniki’s school parade traditionally takes place on 27 October. Military parades are also held in Thessaloniki, according to that ministry’s account of the celebrations.[4]
The observances focus on commemoration rather than a single nationwide meal or household custom. Official national messages and military commemorations honour those who resisted the 1940 attack. Check with local organisers for details of food traditions or family celebrations.[3][4]
What visitors can expect
Because the day is a compulsory public holiday for businesses and work covered by the Sunday and holiday rules, travelers should expect many ordinary workplaces and commercial services to close or change their hours. The cited labour guidance does not provide a specific timetable for banks, shops, restaurants or public transport, so check with individual providers before making plans.[1]
There is a useful exception for visitors interested in heritage: Greece’s Ministry of Culture lists 28 October as a free-admission day at state-owned archaeological sites, historic sites, monuments and museums that it manages. Check the specific venue’s information before travelling, as the free-entry rule does not itself confirm that every site will be open that day.[5]
Ohi Day: frequently asked questions
When is Greece’s National Holiday?
It is observed on 28 October each year. The Hellenic Ministry of Labour lists Ohi Day on that fixed date as a compulsory public holiday.[1]
Is Ohi Day a day off?
It is a compulsory public holiday for undertakings and work that normally do not operate on Sundays and public holidays. The labour guidance describes general restrictions on industrial, craft, commercial and professional activity, but some services or workplaces may be exceptions.[1]
Are there substitute days when 28 October falls on a weekend?
The labour guidance identifies 28 October as the holiday but does not explain a general substitute-day rule.[1]
Are museums open, and is admission free?
The Ministry of Culture designates 28 October as a free-admission day at state-owned archaeological sites, historic sites, monuments and museums it manages. Check a venue’s own opening information before visiting.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for National Holiday in Greece:
- Working time limits- Hellenic Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
- 28 October 1940 – The Beginning of the Greco-Italian War- Hellenic Army General Staff
- Order of the Day by the Minister of National Defence, Panos Kammenos, for the Anniversary of 28 October 1940- Hellenic Republic Ministry of National Defence
- Διευκρινίσεις σχετικά με τη διεξαγωγή παρελάσεων της 28ης Οκτωβρίου- Hellenic Ministry of Interior
- Free admission to archaeological sites, historical sites, monuments and museums owned by the State- Hellenic Ministry of Culture