Public holiday in Greece
National Anniversary Day in Greece
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
National Anniversary Day in Greece marks the country’s annual commemoration of 28 October 1940, when Greece rejected an Italian ultimatum at the start of the Greco-Italian War. It is a nationwide public holiday that combines remembrance with civic observance.
About National Anniversary Day in Greece
In Greece, National Anniversary Day is observed across the country as a day of national remembrance rather than a festive holiday in the usual sense. It commemorates the stand taken by Greece on 28 October 1940, and the date is treated as a marker of modern national memory. Because it is a public holiday nationwide, it has practical importance well beyond ceremonial life. Schools, public institutions and many workplaces organise or adjust their schedules around the day, and communities mark it with formal observances.
History
The holiday commemorates the Greek response to Italy’s ultimatum on 28 October 1940, an event that led into the Greco-Italian War. The date became associated with national commemoration in Greece after the war and has remained a fixed annual observance.
Traditions
A defining custom is the laying of wreaths and other formal tributes at memorials and monuments. Schools commonly take part in ceremonies that include student parades or presentations, reflecting the holiday’s strong place in civic education. The day is also marked by the display of Greek flags and by speeches or public tributes that focus on remembrance and national resilience.
How National Anniversary Day is celebrated in Greece
Across Greece, the day is usually marked by official ceremonies, memorial visits and local parades. Public commemoration is especially visible in towns and cities, where school and community participation is common. Many people use the holiday for family outings or quiet observance, while public-facing institutions generally follow the reduced holiday rhythm of the day.
Interesting facts
The holiday is widely known in Greece simply as “Ohi Day,” using the Greek word for “No.” The commemoration centers on a wartime refusal rather than a state founding anniversary or independence day.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 Oct 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.