On the occasion of Ohi Day, a national holiday celebrated throughout Greece and Cyprus each year, to commemorate the rejection by Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on October 28, 1940, parades took place today in the country’s two biggest cities, Athens and Thessaloniki.

Greek President Karolos Papoulias traveled to Thessaloniki on Monday afternoon to attend events for the celebration of the Ohi Day. On Tuesday at 10.30, Mr. Papoulias laid a wreath at the monument of the 3rd Army Corps and at 11.00 he attended the military parade that took place along Megalou Alexandrou avenue.

Defence Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos was also be present at the parade.

It should be noted that the annual school parade to commemorate the anniversary of October 28 took place on Monday in Thessaloniki, with the participation of students from primary and secondary schools under tight security measures.

For today’s parade, police had increased security measures compared to last year, and strong police forces had been deployed in the area.

Meanwhile in Athens, the anniversary of October 28 was celebrated with special events, wreath laying ceremonies and a school parade.

At 10.00 Greek officials laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The school parade begun from the area of the monument at 11.00 and it was completed in approximately 45 minutes. The government was represented by the Minister of Education Andreas Loverdos.