Oxi Day, also known as the "Day of No," is a national public holiday celebrated on October 28 every year in Greece, Cyprus, and by Greeks around the world. On this day in 1940, the Prime Minister of Greece, Ioannis Metaxas, denied Benito Mussolinis request to allow Italian troops to cross the border into Greece. He responded to the Italian ultimatum in French, the diplomatic language at the time, "Alors, cest la guerre!" or "Then it is War!". In the days following, the word of Metaxas denial had spread around the capital, and the Greek population took to the streets shouting "Oxi!" ("No!") . His decision made on October 28, 1940, is commemorated each year as a day that represents bravery, solidarity, and heroism for millions of Greeks all around the world.

Oxi Day is celebrated with parades, flag decorating, and wreath laying at various military memorials. Traditionally, schoolchildren parade on the main street of their city with military music, and the best student of each school is responsible for carrying the Greek flag in the parade. Families and friends get together and usually eat out in a tavern. Although the day is mainly about commemoration, it is also a day of education, as school teachers usually spend time discussing the war of 1940 and its heroes. On this day, Greeks celebrate by decorating their streets and balconies with Greek flags, watching patriotic movies on TV, listening to heroic songs on the radio, reciting poems in school, and enjoying parades.

In conclusion, Oxi Day is a day of both proud celebration and solemn commemoration, and it represents bravery, solidarity, and heroism for millions of Greeks all around the world.