Ohi Day in Rhodes: Parades, Free Museums, and Local Tips

Visiting Rhodes in late October is already a dream. The island is calmer, the beaches less crowded, and the medieval streets of the Rhodes Old Town echo with a quieter charm. But every year on 28 October, Rhodes comes alive with a special kind of energy. This is Ohi Day, the day Greece said “No” to fascism in 1940, and being here for the celebrations offers a deeper connection to the island beyond its postcard beauty.

For those of us who call Rhodes home, this is more than a national holiday. It is a day of remembrance, pride and family stories, offering visitors a chance to discover the Island of the Knights through its history, traditions and the people who keep them alive.

What Is Ohi Day? The Story Behind Greece’s Historic “No”

Ohi Day (also spelled Oxi Day or Ochi Day), meaning “No Day”, is one of Greece’s most important national anniversaries. It commemorates the refusal of Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas to accept an ultimatum from Fascist Italy on 28 October 1940 when Italy demanded permission for its troops to enter Greece and occupy strategically important locations. Metaxas rejected the ultimatum, famously responding to the Italian ambassador in French: “Alors, c’est la guerre” — “Then it is war.”

This moment marked Greece’s entry into the Second World War and became a lasting symbol of courage, dignity and resistance against oppression. For Greeks, the word Ohi (Όχι) represents much more than a historical response. It stands for the determination to defend freedom and protect the right of a nation to decide its own future.

Every year, the anniversary is celebrated across Greece with military and student parades, church services and wreath-laying ceremonies. Thessaloniki hosts the country’s major military parade, while communities throughout the islands and mainland honour the occasion in their own distinctive ways.

On Rhodes and the rest of the Dodecanese, however, Ohi Day carries an additional layer of meaning.

Why Ohi Day Has a Special Meaning in Rhodes and the Dodecanese

When Greece entered the war in 1940, Rhodes and the other islands of the Dodecanese were already under Italian rule, which had begun in 1912. Therefore, their experience of the war and their journey towards freedom followed a different path from that of the rest of the nation.

The events of 1940 encouraged acts of resistance against Italian rule, while the Dodecanese became further caught up in the conflict in 1943, following Italy’s armistice and the subsequent British military campaign and German occupation.

For the islanders, the struggle for freedom did not end with the war. The Dodecanese were formally united with Motherland Greece on 7 March 1948, a date that remains deeply significant to the people of Rhodes and the neighbouring islands.

Every year, these events bring back memories passed down through generations. Our grandparents spoke of the anxiety of those difficult days, the farewells to loved ones who left to fight against fascism, and the hopes of those who remained behind, waiting for freedom to come to their islands.

This is what makes the anniversary particularly meaningful here. Ochi Day is not only about Greece’s refusal to surrender to fascism; it also reminds us of the sacrifices and the long road towards freedom experienced by the people of the Dodecanese.

How to Experience Ohi Day in Rhodes Town

On the morning of 28 October, Rhodes Town takes on a festive atmosphere. Greek flags decorate the streets, the city centre fills with locals and visitors, and a sense of national pride can be felt throughout the town.

The celebrations traditionally begin early in the morning with a church service at the Church of the Annunciation (Evangelismos), at Mandraki Harbour. Local authorities and residents attend before the official wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial to the fallen, near the Regional Government building.

The highlight of the morning is the Ohi Day parade, starting at around 11:00 AM along the main road beside Mandraki Harbour. It is a wonderful opportunity to witness a living tradition that brings the community together.

Military units march alongside schoolchildren, volunteer groups and cultural associations from all over Greece. One of the most captivating parts of the procession is seeing participants dressed in traditional costumes representing different regions of the country. Colourful, intricate and rich in history, these costumes reflect Greece’s remarkable cultural diversity, with each carrying its own distinctive character, customs and traditions passed down through generations.

Local tip: Arrive early to find a good viewing spot along the Mandraki waterfront, as the area can get busy before the parade begins. Before heading out, check local weather updates. October weather in Rhodes can be unpredictable, and in the event of bad weather, the parade may be cancelled.

What to Do After Rhodes Town Parade

Once the official celebrations have ended, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed. The cafés around Mandraki Harbour fill with locals meeting friends, enjoying a coffee and sharing the excitement of the morning.

Restaurants in Rhodes Town and the villages also welcome families and groups gathering for a leisurely lunch. It is a lovely opportunity to experience Greek hospitality, taste local dishes and enjoy the simple pleasure of sitting around a table without rushing.

If you would like to make the most of your day, why not combine these local experiences with a little cultural exploration? Oxi Day is also a wonderful opportunity to discover more of Rhodes’ fascinating past, as museums and archaeological sites have traditionally offered free admission on this national anniversary.

Keep in mind that 28 October is a public holiday in Greece. Most shops and public services are closed, and some businesses may operate on different schedules.

Discover the Celebrations in the Villages

Ohi Day is celebrated throughout Rhodes, not just in the capital. In the villages, church bells ring in the morning, inviting residents to attend the church service before schoolchildren parade through the streets.

The Greek national anthem and stirring patriotic songs by Sofia Vembo, affectionately known as the Singer of the Nation for her performances during the war, often accompany the celebrations.

In some villages, the day continues in the central squares with traditional dances organised by local cultural associations. Families gather, neighbours exchange greetings, and the community comes together to honour the past.

If you have time, consider visiting one of Rhodes’ traditional villages. You may discover a quieter, more personal side of island life, where traditions are part of the community rather than simply something to watch.

Why Late October is a Wonderful Time to Visit Rhodes

Ohi Day offers a special reason to discover Rhodes beyond its beaches. It invites you to slow down, observe local life and understand the history that continues to shape the island today.

On October 28th, we honour everyone who stood up for freedom and those who sacrificed so future generations could live without fear. On Rhodes Island, a place that has experienced centuries of changing foreign rules, this message feels especially powerful.

So, spend the morning watching the parade, wander through the winding streets of the Medieval Old Town, discover the charm of a traditional village, or enjoy a leisurely coffee or lunch in Rhodes Town. Take your time and let the island reveal itself through its people, traditions and stories.