By Christina Savopoulos
There are several days throughout the year which are solidified as turning points in Greek history and are commemorated to honour the hardships Greeks endured for our culture to flourish today. Among these lies OXI Day, celebrated annually on 28th October.
On this day in 1940 during World War II, Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas was given an ultimatum by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini: allow Greece to be occupied without resistance, or face war. Metaxas’ response of “OXI” (No) to this ultimatum acted as a hope during the war.
The day is celebrated for Greece’s bravery entering the war and protecting its country and people. Without that one act of defiance, Greece’s history in the war would have continued in a different trajectory.
Maria Bakalidou, Principal of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools, shared with The Greek Herald why it’s important to teach the history of OXI Day in Greek schools.
She remembered when she first came to Australia and saw how Greek Australians celebrated Greek Independence Day with many events, but didn’t quite do the same for OXI Day. She was surprised considering both are celebrated equally in Greece.
“I thought we should celebrate here in our schools to show the students that Greece played a very important role in the second world war,” Maria said.
Maria hopes that teaching the history of OXI Day and making connections to the Anzacs who fought in the Battle of Crete will help students connect their Greek and Australian identities.
“Every year at all the GCM school campuses we do a march to honour the day,” she said.
“I believe it is important for the students to see others in traditional costumes and to see Greek and Australian flags waved. Students can then build on both their Greek identity and their Australian identity because we live in a multicultural Melbourne.
“In our schools we want to speak about peace and respect when teaching about October 28th, and to help students cultivate their Greek and Australian identities. It’s important for students to understand their identity as it is their motivation to continue learning Greek.”
The Greek Herald also heard from some young Greek Australians about what OXI Day means to them in 2025.
29-year-old Stephanie L agrees that preserving the history of OXI Day should continue.
“It’s important that it continues to be taught in Greek schools so future generations can understand their history, their culture and have an appreciation for what their ancestors went through,” Stephanie said.
NUGAS Social and Cultural Officer Yiannis Lekkas reflected on the historical context of the day.
“When I think about the 28th of October, I envision a larger force, Mussolini’s Italy attempting to invade Greece, the little guy, by land,” Yiannis said.
“It is a fact that Metaxas’ official response was “Alors, c’est la guerre” (“Thus, it is war”, responding to Italy’s ultimatum to surrender their land or fight the Italians). The Greek spirit is embodied through what the papers watered down as a simple “ΟΧΙ” (ΝΟ). Historically, we see the Greek people of this time as a resistant and defiant people.”
Speaking on a personal level about the day Yiannis added, “As a Greek who was born in Athens, lives in Australia since young, visits Greece often, it’s obvious to me this defiant and persistent spirit is found in both our Greeks found in Greece itself and the generations of Greeks in the diaspora.”
Another young Greek Australian, aged 23, shared how she sees OXI Day as more than just a historical commemoration. She told The Greek Herald, “It marks Greece’s defiance and resilience against fascism in the 1940s, yet also symbolises the beginning of a collective fight for justice, freedom, and dignity.”
The day also helps her reflect on her own cultural identity.
“For me it’s deeply personal. OXI Day draws me closer to my ancestry, reminding me of the strength and spirit that runs through my blood. It’s a moment where my dual identity feels whole. Where being both Greek and Australian isn’t a conflict, but rather a gift,” she said.
“It’s not just a day of celebration, it’s a living reminder of who I am, of the courage I came from, and the pride I carry. I feel blessed to be part of a culture that refuses to yield in the face of adversity, and even more blessed to carry that legacy forward.”
OXI Day remains a symbol of hope and national pride in Greek history. The day will not be forgotten in Greek communities outside of Greece, especially with the involvement of the younger generations.
