OHI (OXI) Day
Every year on October 28, Greeks celebrate OHI Day. “Ohi” (pronounced oh-hee) is the Greek word for “No.”
On October 28, 1940, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini demanded that Greece surrender to Axis powers. Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas refused outright. The Royal Italian Army in Albania attacked the Greek border. The Hellenic Army, to everyone’s surprise, successfully counter-attacked. Greece, a small and defiant country, had entered World War II and achieved the first land victory for Allied forces.
On that fateful day 85 years ago, Greek citizens marched in the streets, shouting “No.” October 28 has been a national holiday ever since, commemorating the Greek people’s courage and heroic resistance to tyranny.
We joined the crowds lining the streets near the Chania Municipal Market to watch the OHI Day parade. Through loudspeakers, we could hear the official proceedings taking place nearby. There was a short religious service and the laying of wreaths at the Heroes Monument.
Finally, the Greek national anthem played, and the parade began. First came the police, firefighters, and paramedics. Then came the students, carrying flags and marching by class in their school uniforms. A few teachers blew whistles to keep their students stepping in time. The older students swung their arms high, reminding me of the Evzones in Athens. Some wore their uniform shirts with blue jeans, perhaps a small show of resistance to having to march on their day off from school.
The student parade seemed endless. There were scout troops, then college students. Finally, it was time for the cultural associations in their traditional costumes.
I enjoyed seeing the young children in miniature costumes that matched their parents’ outfits.
A procession of military vehicles was followed by a marching band. It was a bit of a cacophony, since different music continued to play on the loudspeakers.
It was a Tuesday, but it felt like a Sunday in Chania. All offices, most stores, and many restaurants were closed. I’m glad we were able to see the parade and the national the pride that Greeks feel on OHI Day.
By the way…
October 28 is also our son Danny’s birthday!
