Thessaloniki Celebrates Greek Heritage
Military parade, Ethnic Costumes and Marching Bands
Sep 16, 2008
This annual patriotic event celebrates both ancient Greek heritage and the 20th century involvement of Greece during World War II. The main event is a colorful and symbolic parade that takes place in Thessaloniki in the Macedonia region of northern Greece. The bayside city offers an alternative destination to Athens, a young and vibrant place that comes alive during the Ochi festival.
Ochi Day History
The Greeks have many reasons to celebrate their heritage. In Athens the remnants of a sophisticated early civilization still remain. But in the more recent past, October 28, 1940 specifically, General Ioannis Metaxas said “Ochi” to Mussolini. He told the Italian dictator “No!” that they would not accept occupation, fight if they must. And they did.
Most of this fighting during WWII took place in northern Greece and a sense of nationalistic pride erupts in the region’s main city of Thessaloniki during the festival. This modern city, second in population to Athens, winds around the blue-hued Thermaic Gulf. Sleek architecture dominates the skyline and a wide, pedestrian friendly boardwalk sports chic coffee houses and restaurants. Thessaloniki is known as a hi-fashion city with blocks of clothing stores a short walk from the shore. Modern yet historically preserved, Byzantine walls border the upper city and Aristotle University, the largest in Greece.
The Parade
The main event is a parade that starts mid-morning with lively patriotic music. Small groups of clan members follow the bands and march behind banners that state “Descendants of Alexander the Great”. Greek costumes of red and gold embroidery dominate the scene, flowing skirts and shawls for the women and vrakia style velvet short pants with vests for the men. Like the tartans of Scotland, the northern Greeks can be identified by their regional dress.
The mood changes as the roar of military jets scream across the sky. It’s a quick jump from the ancient past to the present as the Greek military forces appear. Lines of olive green tanks, amphibious vehicles, and trucks mounted with missiles thunder past the crowd. Solemn officers stand at attention, not a wave allowed. The troops follow. Red-bereted Special Forces, Army and Navy brigades march, and frogmen clad in wetsuits and fins keep the pace. The massive display of military fortitude is well-planned and impressive.
Sightseeing in Thessaloniki
After the parade, an afternoon walk along the waterfront offers views of the White Tower, a city landmark and museum. Outdoor cafes with plush seating line the boardwalk. In the evening, restaurants in the historic Ladadiki district scent the air with roasted lamb and seafood. Shops featuring kalamata olives, black-figure pottery, Greek wines and ouzo are readily available. The chic Hotel Luxembourg, near Aristotelous Square, is a good choice near the boardwalk.
The blue and white flags of Greece fly high on Ochi Day. It’s an occasion to join in the celebration of a country that has persevered through centuries of turmoil to remain undivided and free in the modern world.
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