We're back in Kilada having forced ourselves to leave Vivari. Light fickle wind meant a motor sail which was disappointing as we had hoped to end on a “sailing” high.

We dropped the hook in the bay and started to get our heads around all the jobs that needed doing before lift out 4 days later.

The day after our arrival was OXI Day – a public holiday.
OXI means NO.
OXI Day commemorates the rejection by the Greek Prime Minister - Ioannis Metaxas – of the ultimatum made by the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on 28th October 1940 .
This ultimatum, demanded Greece allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory and occupy certain unspecified ‘ strategic locations ‘ or otherwise face war.
It was allegedly answered with a single Iaconic word – ÓXI (NO). However his actual reply was ‘Then it is war’.
In response to Metaxas's refusal, Italian troops stationed in Albania attacked the Greek border at 05.30am – the beginning of Greece's participation in World War II.
On the morning of 28th October 1940, the Greek population took to the streets, irrespective of political affiliation, shouting ‘OXI'.
From 1942, it was celebrated as ‘OXI Day', first mostly among the members of the resistance and after the war by all Greeks worldwide.

We went ashore and met up with Theo in the Happy Flo taverna for coffee. Vasso and Apostolia were with their scout group and would be leading the march through the town.

The port area and the tavernas were packed with families all thoroughly enjoying each other's company. This little town was positively buzzing.
It is a public holiday and here in Kilada the streets are decorated with Greek flags and school children march in time to the drummers who in this case were the local scout group.

My thoughts for this post. True patriotism. A joy to witness. The children all took their roles very seriously and there were many proud parents with big smiles.