Athens is marking Greece’s national holiday of 28 October, known as Oxi Day, with official ceremonies honouring the heroes of the 1940 war and a student parade in the heart of the capital.

The city has been decorated with Greek flags for the occasion, with commemorative events taking place throughout the morning.

Celebrations begin with gun salutes and flag-raising ceremony

The programme began at 6.47 am with ceremonial gun salutes fired from Lycabettus Hill, accompanied by morning musical performances from bands representing the Armed Forces and Security Services.

At 8 am, the Greek flag was raised on the Acropolis in a ceremony marking the national anniversary.

A thanksgiving service followed at 10 am at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, officiated by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.

The official programme also includes the laying of wreaths by state authorities at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square.

Student parade in central Athens

The main event of the celebrations is the student parade, scheduled to begin at 11 am in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Schoolchildren from across Athens are taking part in the commemorations, alongside members of the Scouts, Guides and people with disabilities.

The parade is the centrepiece of the capital’s celebrations, paying tribute to those who fought during the events of 1940 and commemorating Greece’s historic refusal to surrender to the Italian ultimatum.

Photos: William Faithful