OXI DAY CELEBRATIONS IN LAUNCESTON
Some historical and cultural news for you. This week is an important week for us in our Greek Community as we lead up to OXI Day this Saturday 28th October. It is also known as “No Day”. It’s a day of national pride and remembrance in Greece. It commemorates an event in 1940 when Greece refused to surrender to an ultimatum from Italy. The then-Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas, responded with a resounding “OXI,” rejecting the demand for Greek surrender. This single word signified the Greek people’s determination to defend their sovereignty and resist foreign aggression.
As a result, Greece entered World War II, facing challenging odds but ultimately contributing to the Allied victory. OXI Day represents the spirit of courage, resilience, and unity of the Greek people in the face of adversity.
In addition to the Greek resistance, OXI Day also holds significance for the Anzacs, the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who played a role in the defense of Greece. During the Battle of Greece in 1941, Anzac troops joined Greek forces to combat the Axis powers. Their collaboration with Greek soldiers created a unique bond of camaraderie, further cementing the importance of OXI Day.
On this day, Greeks and Anzacs alike remember and honor those who sacrificed and fought for freedom, making it a significant and emotional national holiday marked by parades, patriotic displays, and school events. OXI Day serves as a symbol of international solidarity and the shared commitment to defending liberty in the face of adversity.
This weekend we are celebrating OXI Day at our Greek Community of Launceston Parish Hall. Yes we do have a Greek Commuity here in Launceston and although we are small in numbers, when we get together we do make a bit of noise. As the newly elected President, embracing my Greek culture, background and reconnecting with members of our community that built our Church and hall has been the highlight of my year.
Raise a Glass to OXI Day with Our Exclusive OXI Cocktail🍹
As we gear up for our OXI Day Celebrations, our talented Bar team proudly presents the OXI Cocktail. Crafted with the finest ingredients, this exquisite libation showcases imported Greek Limoncello, Greek Vodka made with distilled olives, and our signature Tasmanian-made Koumozo Ouzo.
Tasting Notes:
🌿 zesty burst of Mediterranean citrus with a delightful Limoncello foundation.
🫒 silky, savory undertones of Greek Vodka, perfectly complementing the olive oil notes.
🥃 familiar warmth of our Tasmanian Koumozo Ouzo, rounding off each sip with anise and herbal delights.
Join us in raising a toast to OXI Day, and let the OXI Cocktail transport your taste buds to the heart of Greece!”
You can purchase all these products from our friends at The Greek Providore including our Koumozo Ouzo.
As we prepare for the bustling festive and summer season ahead, our supply of Koumozo Ouzo is running low. There won’t be another batch distilled before Christmas, making this the perfect moment to secure your own personal stash or plan ahead for unique Christmas gifts.
STOCKISTS
Thankyou for your support this year and stocking our Koumozo on your shelves!
Tasmania
Crown Cellars, Launceston
Cool Wine, Hobart
The Angels Share, Stanley
New South Wales
Miloway Wines, Earlwood
Camperdown Cellars, Camperdown
Online
The Greek Providore