October 28th, 1940, is a historic national anniversary that is celebrated every year in Greece. This day commemorates Greece’s denial of the Italian ultimatum that was delivered on 28th of October in 1940 to Greek Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas, demanding the free passage of the Italian army from the Greek-Albanian border and thus to invade Greece. The Greek Prime Minister answered “OCHI” (NO) to the Italian Ambassador, thus expressing a negative stand on Italian demands and therefore it is mentioned as “Ochi Day”.
The consequence of this refusal was the entrance of Greece in the Second World War and the beginning of the Greek-Italian war in 1940. This date was established to be celebrated in Greece each year as an official national holiday and a public holiday.
The Municipality of Hersonissos celebrates each year this significant national holiday. Specifically, for the celebration of the National Anniversary, the following events take place.
Municipal and public buildings in all municipal units of the Municipality of Hersonissos as well as schools are being decorated with Greek flags.
All Greek Orthodox churches in the Municipality of Hersonissos will be holding special services on that day.
Wreaths are being placed at Monument’s sites in the Harbor of Hersonissos, at the headquarters of the Municipality of Hersonissos in Gournes, in Analipsi Hersonissos, in Malia, in Episkopi and in Mochos.
In addition, parades are being carried out by the children and pupils of the Municipality of Hersonissos at the headquarters of the Municipality of Hersonissos in Gournes, in front of the Town Hall, at the Hersonissos Harbor on the main street of El. Venizelos, in Malia on the main street of El. Venizelos, in Episkopi, from Primary School to the Monument, and in Mochos.
