The annual Oxi Day Parade held by the Toronto Greek Community took place along Danforth Avenue on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 25. Photo by Alan Shackleton.

Large crowds turned out for the Toronto Greek Community’s annual Oxi Day Parade along Danforth Avenue this past Sunday.

The Oct. 26 parade through Greek Town on the Danforth was held as part of the observance of Oxi Day, which marks Greece’s defiance against fascism during the Second World War.

On Oct. 28, 1940, Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas said ‘Oxi’ (no) to Italian dictator Benito Mussolini’s demands that Italy be given control of strategic sites in Greece or face a declaration of war. By saying ‘Oxi’ to Italy, Greece entered the Second World War fighting against the fascist forces of both Italy and Germany.

The parade is typically held along Danforth Avenue on the closest October Sunday to the date of Oct. 28.

Beach Metro Community News’ Alan Shackleton covered the parade and below are some of his photos: