Ohi Day in Cyprus — history and how it is celebrated on October 28
The Greek national holiday "Ohi Day" is celebrated on October 28 with great fanfare not only in Greece but also in Cyprus. The reasons go far beyond mere cultural and linguistic proximity—the holiday is directly connected to shared history, the fight against fascism, and the contribution of Cypriots during World War II.
- History of the holiday
- Meaning and significance of Ohi Day
- Role of the Cypriots
- How Ohi Day is celebrated in Cyprus
- Frequently Asked Questions
History of the holiday
Ohi Day (Greek: Όχι — "No") commemorates the events of October 28, 1940. Early in the morning, the Italian ambassador in Athens delivered Benito Mussolini’s ultimatum to the Prime Minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas, demanding that Axis forces be allowed into the country.
Metaxas’ response was brief and unequivocal. According to contemporaries, he said in French: "Alors, c’est la guerre" ("Then it’s war"), which the public received as the famous "Ohi" — "No".
On the same day, Italy began military action against Greece, and the rejection of the ultimatum became a symbol of resistance, national dignity, and readiness to defend freedom at any cost.
Meaning and significance of Ohi Day
Historical sources indicate that Ohi Day began to be observed during the war years, despite the occupation. The first commemorative events took place in 1941–1942 and were a form of moral resistance against fascism.
Today, this holiday is seen not only as a military date but also as a symbol of civil courage, national unity, and a reminder to future generations that freedom is never granted without struggle.
In Cyprus, Ohi Day has special significance because Cypriots felt part of the broader Hellenic world and viewed Greece’s refusal as their own moral choice.
Role of the Cypriots
Although in 1940 Cyprus was under British administration, thousands of Cypriots voluntarily joined the Allied forces and participated in World War II.
About 6,000 island residents fought directly on the front lines, and in total, around 30,000 Cypriots served in the British forces during the war, including the famous Cyprus Regiment.
For this reason, Ohi Day in Cyprus is not an "imported" holiday but a commemorative date connected to the real lives of Cypriot families and shared history of resistance.
How Ohi Day is celebrated in Cyprus
October 28 is an official public holiday in the Republic of Cyprus.
On this day:
- military and school parades take place;
- wreaths are laid at monuments to the fallen;
- national flags are displayed on buildings;
- schools hold themed lessons, poetry readings, and historical performances;
- documentaries and feature films about the war are shown on television.
Special attention is given to school and student parades, emphasizing the continuity of generations and the importance of preserving historical memory.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cyprus holidays
What other public holidays are observed in Cyprus?
Both secular and religious holidays are officially celebrated in Cyprus. The full list is available here:
When is Cyprus Independence Day celebrated?
Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus is celebrated on October 1. This date was deliberately chosen to hold main events under more comfortable weather conditions.
How Independence Day is celebrated in Cyprus
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I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…