October 28: Attica celebrates the historic “OCHI” day
October 28, also known as the “OCHI (No) Day” is a national holiday in Greece, grandly commemorated across the country. Every year, people of all ages take part in national celebrations, honoring those who fought in the 1940 Greek – Italian war and lost their lives in defense of their homeland.
If you find yourself in Attica, the Greater Athens Region, during the celebrations of the Greek Epic of 1940 don’t miss out on participating in the festive mood spread all over. Flag-adorned streets and students parading dressed in blue-white colors, set the vibe of the day!
Events kick-off with 21 cannon fires at Lycabettus Hill, a long-established tradition, unfailingly repeated every single year. Downtown Athens, thousands of students from more than 200 schools across Attica join the 28 October parade to the sound of rousing marches. Members of the political leadership lay a wreath at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier, looming in front of the Greek Parliament. A unique combination of emotion and pride, instantly initiating you into a pivotal part of the greek history.
What a better way to carry on than a free visit to any of the museums or archeological sites run by the Greek State? On October 28, entrance is free and the list to choose from is quite long.
Don’t overlook the National Archeological Museum of Athens, not only for the valuable treasures of its collections but mostly for its history in the shadow of the war and the german occupation. At the dawn of the war, museum workers rushed to protect the exhibits from being ruined or pillaged. They buried its statues into big pits and hid its sculptures inside bomb shelters across the city…
The Athens War Museum boasts halls exclusively dedicated to the Greek-Italian war. As you step in, you delve into a world full of photos from the battlefront, combat uniforms and belongings of officers. There is also a special section hosting the “artists of the war”, with the original works of artists who followed the deployment of the Greek Army.
Alternatively, visit the Acropolis Museum and the Archeological Site of Acropolis, offering free entrance on October 28!
Lucky enough to spend the last days of October enjoying the mild weather of Attica on one of the Saronic islands? Immerse yourself in the bright festivities held at Salamina, Poros, Aegina, Agistri, Spetses and Hydra. Watch students rhythmically marching and listen to their vigorous yet heart-warming poems. A bit further away, on the unique island of Kythera lying at the crossroads of 3 seas, gaze at the young locals who dance in circles, dressed in folk costumes. Bask in the sounds of the Philharmonic Orchestra and let marches carry you away.
Since October 28 is a bank holiday in Greece, many public transport itineraries, sites or stores may change their usual running hours. Keep that in mind before planning your entire schedule, so that you enjoy your trip to the fullest!
Here is a bonus suggestion for those planning to spend some days in Attica before or after October 28. Head to Yannis Tsarouchis Foundation at Amarousion, a museum dedicated to the acclaimed greek painter. Like other eminent personalities of that time, he joined the Greek Army and served during the WWII. Even during his enlistment, he never stopped painting every surface he would come across; this is when he created “The Virgin of Victory”, inspired by a fellow soldier who spoke about seeing the Virgin Mary in his sleep.
Odysseus Elytis, the Nobel awarded Greek poet, had also fought with the greek forces. The brutal experiences and hardships of the battlefield hallmarked a part of his work. Visit the National Gallery and closely admire his portrait, donated by the poet himself.
Abound in commemoration and honor, October 28 is a day to remember not only in Attica, but throughout the entire country. Relish your stay in the broader region of Athens and get to know the celebrations and traditions that come along with this national holiday. Spend some time to learn about the glorious Epic of 1940 and try to understand the unique temperament of the locals, observing how devotedly they join celebrations. Also, this is the perfect chance to visit museums and archeological sites without paying any entrance fees and to become familiar with the greek culture.
