Oxi Day: What Happened
In the early hours of 28 October 1940, the Italian ambassador in Athens, Emanuele Grazzi, delivered an ultimatum from Benito Mussolini to the Greek prime minister, Ioannis Metaxas, at his home in Kifissia. It demanded that Italian troops be allowed to enter Greece and occupy unnamed strategic locations, or face war. Metaxas rejected it. According to tradition, he replied with a single word, Oxi, meaning No, though his actual reply is often reported in French as Alors, c'est la guerre, meaning Then it is war. Within hours, Italian forces invaded Greece from Albania, which Italy had occupied in 1939. Greeks poured into the streets, shouting Oxi in support of the government's decision, and men rushed to join the army. The Greek resistance that followed surprised the world, as the Greek army pushed the Italians back into Albania. The day is celebrated every year on 28 October as Oxi Day, a national holiday in Greece and Cyprus, with military and school parades. It is also widely commemorated by Greek communities around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oxi Day?
Oxi Day, on 28 October, commemorates Greece's rejection of an Italian ultimatum in 1940, which brought Greece into World War II. It is a national holiday.
What does Oxi mean?
Oxi means No in Greek. According to tradition, Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas replied to Mussolini's ultimatum with this single word.
What did Metaxas actually say?
His reply is often reported in French as Alors, c'est la guerre, meaning Then it is war. The one-word Oxi became the popular symbol of Greek defiance.
How is Oxi Day celebrated?
Oxi Day is celebrated with military and school parades across Greece and Cyprus, and it is widely commemorated by Greek communities around the world.
What happened after the Oxi?
Within hours, Italian forces invaded Greece from Albania. The Greek army pushed them back into Albania in one of the first Allied victories of the war.
