Inner West Council will partner with the Sydney University’s Australian Archaeological Institute to deliver an event to commemorate Greece’s National Oxi Day on Sunday October 30 at Marrickville Town Hall.
Oxi Day is a national celebration in Greece, Cyprus and Greek communities around the world, commemorating 28 October 1940 as part of World War II, when the Greek prime minister rejected an ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, which resulted in the commencement of hostilities between Greece and invading Italian forces. “Oxi” or “ohi” (όχι) means “no” in Greek.
During the war, 28 October was commemorated yearly, and after World War II it became a public holiday in Greece and Cyprus. The events of 1940 are commemorated every year with military and student parades, and public buildings and residences are decorated with national flags.
The event at Marrickville Town Hall will include wreath-laying at the Winged Victory memorial in front of Marrickville Town Hall and will be followed by a commemorative event to mark the anniversary of Greece’s entry into the World War II and subsequent ANZAC involvement. The event will include cultural performances, and community stalls and author talks by, Kate Forsyth – Australian author of Crimson Thread, historical fiction of Nazi Occupied Crete, Dr Michael Bendon – Archaeologist, Historian and author of “Forgotten Flotilla” and Professor Julia Horne – Sydney University Historian Current projects include At War! The University of Sydney and the First World War,
Greek flags will be flown down Marrickville Road in the week preceding the event.
We encourage everyone to come down and experience Inner West Greek culture.
