October 28th is one of the most important national holidays for the Greek people. A mix of history, emotion, and unity accompanies all Greeks during these days. Every celebration, however, also means an opportunity for a trip. What better way than to combine the weekend with the October 28th national holiday and land in Thessaloniki for an unforgettable four-day break? But let’s take things one by one.
What are we celebrating on October 26th and 28th?
In Greece, on October 28th, we celebrate the National Anniversary of the “OXI” (No), which marks the rejection of Italy’s ultimatum and the beginning of the Greco-Italian War during World War II in 1940. This anniversary honors the resistance and heroism of the Greeks against fascism.
In parallel, October 26th is a double celebration for Thessaloniki. On the one hand, we celebrate the anniversary of the liberation of Thessaloniki from the Ottoman Empire, while on the other, the Orthodox feast of Saint Demetrios, who is the city’s patron saint. The day is an official public holiday for Thessaloniki residents and is accompanied by the annual festival in honor of the Saint, the 60th Dimitria Festival.
Organizing the Four-Day Trip
It doesn’t require much searching online to find what you can do in the city during these days. On October 27th, the school parade takes place in the center of Thessaloniki, followed by the imposing military parade the next day—a spectacle worth seeing with your own eyes.
At the same time, you can attend the events taking place at the 60th Dimitria Festival. The Dimitria is an annual festival that lasts throughout October and includes various art events, aiming to honor the city’s patron saint, from whom it takes its name. This year it completes 60 years of organization and will be even more impressive than any other year. Specifically, the following events are included in the four-day period from October 25th to 28th:
When: October 25, 2025, 8:30 PM
Where: Ceremonial Hall of the Faculty of Philosophy, AUTh
Sofia Academic Symphony Orchestra & Young Soloists: The Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra and the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki host the historic Academic Symphony Orchestra of the “Pancho Vladigerov” Music Academy of Sofia, along with talented young soloists, in our city.
When: October 26, 2025, 9:00 PM
Where: Thessaloniki Concert Hall (M2)
Thessaloniki Variations Ballet Preljocaj: On October 26th, at 9:00 PM, at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, 7 dancers and the famous choreographer Angelin Preljocaj, based in Aix-en-Provence, revisit emblematic works of their group, both older and newer, bringing moments of vibrating dance and stunning scenes to Thessaloniki.
When: October 27-28, 2025, 8:00 PM
Where: Metropolitan Urban Theater
The Iran Conference: The Orchestra of Small Things Theatre Group presents The Iran Conference. Written in 2018 and set in Denmark, the country with the happiest people in the world, the play takes us to a conference amphitheater at the University of Copenhagen, where nine members of the local intellectual elite meet to discuss the complex Iranian Issue and the conflict between East and West. Very quickly, however, “The Iran Conference” turns into an “Us Conference” and a clash of different perceptions about the universe, human existence, and the eternal question of what the meaning of life truly is.
When: October 27-28, 2025, 9:15 PM
Where: Kolossaios Theater
Prima Facie: Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award in London’s West End and the 2023 Tony Award on Broadway, the play by the brilliant lawyer Suzie Miller comes to Thessaloniki. A production by the international company “Trish Wadley Productions” and the cultural organization “Lykofos” in co-production with the Poreia Theatre, directed by Giorgos Oikonomou, featuring Lena Papaligoura in the compelling role of lawyer Tessa Ensler.
Accommodation and Relaxation
It is perfectly normal to think that such an intense and active four-day period should be accompanied by accommodation in a place that can offer you comfort and relaxation after a busy day. At The Met Hotel, we combine peace and serenity with trying new flavors and well-being. A visit to the hotel’s spa after a full day can give you the essential rest you need to continue your exploration the next day. At the same time, you don’t need to stray far from the hotel to enjoy a delicious meal, as the Chan restaurant at The Met Hotel is ready to welcome you.
The conclusion is this: Thessaloniki is the ultimate destination for the four-day period of October 25th-28th. In a mix of national holiday and local events, it constitutes the core of art, entertainment, and gastronomy. Isn’t it time to take advantage of the days off you have for a short, but unforgettable trip?