In most places, the cold sets in in October. But, where I live it’s still hot but the occasional rain does bring relief albeit brief. So, last year, I checked out a country with a better climate and came across Cyprus. It hovers between 22° and 29°.
I landed up on October 28 in Paphos, a coastal town, and the whole place was abuzz with activity. First off, I saw kids running around the main street shouting “Ohi! Ohi! Ohi!”
Now, this is new, I said to myself and decided to find out what happened to the kids! Aha! and wasn’t I surprised when I discovered there was nothing wrong with the kids, but they were celebrating Ohi Day. Ohi means No in Greek.
Ultimatum
The event dates back to October 28, 1940 and World War II. A large portion of Europe was under the control of the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, Japan). Benito Mussolini issued an ultimatum to Greece to allow Italian troops to move in and occupy the country, which was a strategic post for its war plan, in exchange for protection. It is said the Greek prime minister Ioannis Metaxas said, “Ohi”. However, his actual reply was, “ Alors, c’est la guerre! ” (Then it is war!). The Italians of course did not like the reply and the invaded Greece, but the Greeks defeated them. And, this was the first noted defeat of the Axis Powers.
Greeks all over the world celebrate this day, and this includes Cyprus, which is divided — the south by the Greeks and the north by the Turks. It is a public holiday and is celebrated with parades by the military, former soldiers and school students. The main streets of the town centre in Paphos are closed for the parades. It is a spectacular display of patriotism. The buildings and cars are decorated with the Greek and Cypriot flags.
Tired and thirsty after the parade I flew down to a cute little cafe that served fabulous Greek coffee.
I heard October 28 is a national holiday in Greece. Schools are closed and very few businesses stay open. School children participating in the parade are dressed in blue and white, the colours of the Greek flag. It is an important day for Greeks all over the world because they said “No” to fascism. They remember democracy and are proud of their inheritance and this is the message they send out to the world.
