Chill and rain didn’t stop thousands of Toronto Greeks from commemorating one of the most important holidays on the Greek calendar.

With a parade in the city’s central Greek neighborhood, known as “the Danforth,” schoolchildren and elders alike commemorated the day when Greeks said “no!” to the Italian fascists when they were faced with an ultimatum to surrender on October 28, 1940.

Greece said no to Benito Mussolini’s army and was thus, thrust into the Second World War. The holiday is also commemorated in Greece as a national day.

The parade included the participation of more than 30 Toronto-area groups, clubs and churches, including student groups from area universities and schools from the greater Toronto area.

Photos from the parade courtesy of Christina Kakaletris.