Oxi Day Parade
In real life Every year on October 28 · 11:00 AM (arrive by 10:30 AM)
Next: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Greece's national holiday parade: schoolchildren, bands and societies march past the Parliament to mark the 1940 'No' to the Axis ultimatum.
Oxi Day on October 28 is a Greek national holiday. It commemorates October 28, 1940, when Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas rejected Mussolini's ultimatum to let Italian troops into Greece, and crowds took to the streets shouting "Oxi!" ("No"). Greece then held off the Axis for nearly six months.
In Athens the day is marked with a parade of schoolchildren, marching bands, clubs and societies past the Hellenic Parliament. It is a proud, local occasion rather than a tourist show, and a good way to see the city celebrate.
🎟 Cost: Free
🕒 When: Every year on October 28, 11:00 AM (arrive by 10:30 AM)
Open in Google Maps
What to expect
- A parade starting at 11am along Vasilissis Amalias Avenue
- Marching bands, clubs, societies and thousands of schoolchildren
- The route passes the Hellenic Parliament at Syntagma Square and continues up Panepistimiou Street
- Free entry to the Acropolis and major museums on the day
Tips for going
- Arrive by 10:30am to get a good viewing spot.
- Expect road closures around the route. Public transport runs, but there may be delays.
- Most shops are closed; restaurants and bars stay open, especially in tourist areas.
- Use the free entry to the Acropolis and museums, but expect bigger crowds.
Upcoming dates
- Wednesday, October 28, 2026 · 11:00 AM (arrive by 10:30 AM)
- Thursday, October 28, 2027 (expected) · 11:00 AM (arrive by 10:30 AM)
Questions people ask
What time does the parade start?
11:00am. Aim to arrive by 10:30am.
Are museums open?
Major sites and museums, including the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum, have free entry on the day.
Are shops open?
Most retail shops close; restaurants and bars generally stay open.
About Athens
The Acropolis rises over Athens with the Parthenon on top, and the old Plaka neighbourhood tumbles down its northern slope.
Getting there: The Akropoli metro station (line 2) is by the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the hill. The main entrance to the site is on the west side, below the Propylaea.
More about Athens and its 3D version →
Also in Athens
In real lifeDetails checked against whyathens.com. Organizers change plans, so confirm there before you go.
Get updates by email
New towns, new rides, new things to find — sent by the site owner, rarely, with a working unsubscribe link in every email. Nothing else is done with your address.