Oxi Day: National Holiday on October 28

October 28, 2026

Oxi Day (“No Day”) is one of Greece’s most important national holidays, held every year on October 28. On that date in 1940, Mussolini’s Italian envoy demanded free passage for Italian troops through Greek territory; Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas refused (“Oxi” = “No”), and Greece entered World War II, successfully repelling the initial Italian invasion. It remains a point of national pride, commemorated annually.

• Shops, schools, and government offices are closed.
• A morning church service (doxology) is held, traditionally at a central church in Kalamata.
• A wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Heroes’ Monument, near Plateia 23is Martiou.
• Around 11:00 am, a large parade moves through the city center, typically along Aristomenous Street, featuring the municipal band, schoolchildren, associations, scouts, rescue services, and closing units of the army and air force.

Note: the exact start time and precise route are confirmed by the Municipality of Kalamata each year — check kalamata.gr closer to the date for the definitive 2026 program.

Location on the map