Oxi Day Parade 2026

On October 28, 1940, Greece answered Mussolini’s ultimatum with one word: “Όχι” (No). Greece refused to let Axis troops in. That answer brought Greece into the Second World War, and its stand on the Albanian front gave the Allies their first victory against the Axis.

For those of us with roots in Kalavrita, that “No” also has a cost we remember personally. During the occupation that followed, on December 13, 1943, German forces killed nearly every man and boy over the age of 12 in Kalavrita. They burned the town and the Monastery of Agia Lavra, where the 1821 revolution began. The Holocaust of Kalavrita is part of our history, and it is why our association carries the name “Agia Lavra.”

Marching on the Danforth is how we honour the people who stood up and those who paid for it. It is also how we pass their story on. We have a duty to march for those who came before us and to bring our children and grandchildren with us, so they understand where they come from and keep that memory alive.

Every October the Greek community of Toronto marches along the Danforth to mark OXI Day.  Members and friends of the Pan-Kalavritinon Association walk together behind our banner.

12:30 PM — Gathering point for marching participants: corner of Danforth Ave & Donlands Ave. Look for the Association banner.
1:30 PM — Parade starts along the Danforth.
3:00 PM — Wreath-laying ceremony at Alexander the Great Parkette, corner of Danforth Ave & Logan Ave.

Everyone is welcome — bring the whole family, wear blue and white, and bring a Greek flag if you have one. The parade is organized by the Greek Community of Toronto and supported by the Greektown on the Danforth BIA.