Sunday, October 28, 2007

Επέτειος του «'Οχι»

Interested in a little Greek history lesson? You may or may not know this, but today is widely celebrated in Greece as the "Anniversary of the 'No'."

Celebrated throughout Greece on October 28
each year, Oxi Day commemorates Greek dictator Ionnas Metaxas' (in power from August 1936 until January 1941) refusal of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Mussiolini on October 28, 1940.

This ultimatum, which was presented to Metaxas by the Italian ambassador in Greece, Emanuele Grazzi, on October 28, 1940, at dawn (04:00 AM), after a party in the German embassy in Athens, demanded that 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 word: όχι or no. Most scholars dismiss the use of the word 'Okhi' as an urban legend, claiming that the actual reply was the French phrase "Alors, c'est la guerre" ("Then it is war"). In response to Metaxas's refusal, Italian troops stationed in Albania, then an Italian protectorate, attacked the Greek border at 05:30 AM. Metaxas's reply marked the beginning of Greece's participation in World War II (see Greco-Italian War and Battle of Greece).

On the morning of October 28th the Greek population took to the streets, irrespective of political affiliation, shouting 'okhi'.

From 1942, it was celebrated as Okhi (or "Oxi") Day. And today, we still celebrate, proudly.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Some compliments? Why, thank you.

A long time ago (well, over 30 years ago, to be exact) we made a commitment to create a warm environment with quality drinks and compelling music for people to meet with old friends and new acquaintances.

In the last 30 years, a lot of things have changed, but our commitment stays the same. We hope you enjoy what you'll find as you walk through our doors. And we hope you'll come back for another sangria with us.

The Kira Thira hears wonderful things all the time about our cozy atmosphere and yummy drinks. We don't even know what to say, except, "Efharisto!" (Thanks!) We love hearing from you, so please tell us about your experiences with us at the Kira Thira Jazz Bar by leaving a comment below.

Here are a few that have already been published about us:


The Lonely Planet says, "The oldest bar in Fira has entrances on the streets to either side. Locals always use one entrance. Guess which one and you'll feel even more at home in this candle-lit bar with its smooth jazz, ethnic sounds and occasional live music."

"
Kira Thira, well what can we say about it? Great place, jazz music, well known sangria. The only bar in Santorini that didn't change the last 10 years or more... "

"Kira Thira is the oldest bar in town, with one door for locals and another for tourists. Big pluses are the frequent live music and the atmospheric candlelight."

"Kira Thira - Live jazz nightly at this cozy watering hole open year round. Fira (Tel: 22860-22770)"

"If you're into jazz and blues, this laid back venue is for you. It's also famous for its sangria."