National Όχι! day is one of the most important historical dates in the Greek calendar, not just for Zakynthians, but for Greeks worldwide. Every year it is remembered and traditionally celebrated, staying firmly in the hearts and minds of Greeks everywhere.
 
But what is National Όχι day?
The 28 October 1940 is an important date in the Greek calendar. It’s when Greece officially found themselves at war with Italy during World War Two.
 
In 1940 war was progressing across Europe ending up at Greece’s borders. Greece refused to bow to Mussolini. Italian soldiers based along the Albanian border attacked Greece by crossing it and pulling Greece into a war they had desperately hoped to avoid.
 
As history goes, Emanoule Gratsi, the Italian Ambassador to Greece, presented an ultimatum to Ioannis Metaxas on 28 October 1940 at 3:00am, demanding that Greece allow Italian (Axis) forces to enter Greece, via strategic locations along the border. Part of the ultimatum was that if Greece refused the demand, then the Italian Army would have no choice but to enter the country by force.
 
Stories of that day state that the answer Ioannis Metaxas gave to Emanoule Gratsi’s ultimatum was just one word – “Όχι!” (No). Emanoule Gratsi accepted the answer from Ioannis Metaxas and left. The result of Ioannis Metaxas’ single word response was an Italian attack on the Greek border in Albania at 5.30am, which resulted in Italian troops crossing the border, officially invading Greece and bringing the country into World
War Two.
 
Newspaper headlines on 30 October 1940, by the paper “Elliniko Mellon” by Eustratiou, were printed with a huge Όχι! spread across the page. When the Greek people heard what had happened, they made their feelings known and they filled the streets and responded with a simple protest, Όχι! regardless of what political side they fell on. Across Greece, the Greek people stood up for themselves and vocally protested at the invasion that had taken place, and they resisted the Italian Army where they could.
 
In the months that followed, the Greek army not only resisted this Italian invasion but also pushed the Italians back into Albania — marking one of the first Allied victories of WW2. Sadly, however it wasn’t for long, as WW2 continued and became worse. and Eventually, the whole of Greece, including Zakynthos, was invaded by the Italians. This pushed the country into a horrible war that would last for years. The Greek people fought bravely, and hard, and didn’t make things easy for the Italians, but in the end the enemy won, and Greece finally fell becoming a conquered country under Axis powers, and eventually, Germans rule.
 
In 1942 the Greek resistance, who had become a strong enemy to the Axis powers created Όχι! day – on the 28 October – as a reminder of Metaxas’ brave response to Gratsi, and they continued to celebrate it every year throughout the war. It was an important celebration and tradition, that continued after WW2 ended, and still does today.

The new Entry and Exit System also known as EES, will come into effect across the EU (European countries), from the 12th of October 2025.

What is the Entry and Exit System (EES)?
EES is the European Union’s new automated system for travellers. It will operate across the list of countries below, to register non-EU nationals (non-EU countries) who are short-term-travelling across European country borders (short-term-travellers means anyone travelling up to 90days within a 180day period).
 
The full list of countries are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
 
What do I need to do as a traveller?
You will need to register for EES if you are a non-EU national who either:

• needs a short-stay visa to travel to the European countries using the EES 

or

• do not need a visa to travel for a short stay in the European countries using the EES

Your entries and exits, or entry refusals will be electronically registered in the EES.

There are exemptions which you can find here: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply##

Why has the EES been created and are there any benefits?
The EES will eventually replace stamps in people’s passports. As a new digital system, EES will record when tourists and travellers enter and exit a country, and it’s hoped that border checks will become easier and faster. It’s also hoped that EES will mean less time for travellers at the border, with self-service options and the ability to provide relevant information in advance.
 
The new EES system has been created to help track who travels through the Schengen borders, and fingerprint and face capturing software will be used to help data capture, in order to weed out fake identities and to prevent travellers from overstaying or misusing visa-free travel. Border officers and law enforcement will also be able to access travel information for security reasons and to help to prevent terrorism.
 
Will my EES data be collected and held?
Yes, you must provide specific personal data for EES if you are passing through the External borders of European countries. This data will include:

• The information that is on your travel documents such as your name, date of birth etc.
• The location, date and time of your border entrance and exit.
• Biometric data such as your fingerprint and facial scan (this will be held in the Biometric Matching Service system)
• Notes on anything else of relevance such as refusal of entry to a country or overstay in a country.

If you refuse to provide any of the required information, or biometric scans, you will be denied entry into the EES countries listed.

Data will be held for the following periods of time and cannot be transferred to third parties:
Records of entry, exits and refusal of entry: 3yrs starting on the date created.

Individual files containing personal data: 3yrs & 1 day starting the date of your last exit, or your refusal of entry (if you weren’t permitted to enter).
 
If no exit has been recorded: 5yrs starting on the expiry date of your authorised stay.
 
Records of entries and exits for non-EU national who are family members of EU/non-EU citizens / don’t hold a residence document / are accompanying an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen: 1yr starting on the date of creation of the exit record.
 
If no exit has been recorded and you, are a family member of EU/non-EU citizens / don’t hold a residence document / are accompanying an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen: Your data won’t be kept, and there’s no calculation if the length of your authorised stay.
 
The EES system will begin rolling out on the 12th of October 2025 and will be fully implemented across all listed countries by the 10th of April 2026. In the interim, the old style of border control and checking passports will still be operational. 
 
To get further information on EES and how it might affect you, please go to the FAQs on the European Union website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/faq##
 
Further updates will be added to this post as we get them.

 Source: European Union website

The Municipality of Zakynthos has announced the closure of all primary and secondary schools, as well as primary kindergartens, on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
This decision was made by Mayor Giorgos Stasinopoulos following a meeting with education authorities from both the Primary and Secondary Education sectors. The closure is a precautionary measure in light of severe weather conditions forecast for the region.
According to the National Meteorological Service's emergency bulletin on Hazardous Weather Phenomena, the island is expected to experience intense weather starting Thursday morning, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hail.
The Municipality is urging all citizens to remain cautious, limit travel to essential needs only, and to follow Civil Protection guidelines closely during this period.
Further updates and information will be communicated promptly by the Municipality of Zakynthos as the situation develops.
The Announcement follows:- 
Schools
and primary kindergartens
closed on Thursday, October 2, 2025
*** *** ***
The Municipality of Zakynthos informs citizens that, by decision of the Mayor of Zakynthos, Giorgos Stasinopoulos, after a meeting with the Primary and Secondary Education, all primary and secondary schools, as well as primary kindergartens on the island, will remain closed on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
The decision was taken for precautionary reasons, due to the impending bad weather that is expected to hit the area tomorrow morning, with intense phenomena such as rain, storms and hail, according to the emergency bulletin of Hazardous Weather Phenomena of the National Meteorological Service.
The Municipality of Zakynthos calls on citizens to exercise special caution, to limit their movements to the absolutely necessary and to follow the instructions of the Civil Protection.
For any further information, there will be an immediate announcement from the Municipality of Zakynthos.

Zakynthos, Greece — October 1, 2025
A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 was recorded off the southwestern coast of Zakynthos early this morning, prompting brief concern but no reports of damage or injuries. According to the National Observatory of Athens, the tremor occurred at 5:49 a.m. local time, with an epicenter located 12 kilometers west-southwest of Keri, at a depth of 18 kilometers.
The quake was felt mildly across the island, particularly in coastal areas, where some residents reported a brief jolt during the early hours. However, there was no cause for alarm, and life on the island quickly returned to normal.

Strong Infrastructure, Steady CommunityZakynthos lies in a region of high seismic activity and has experienced stronger tremors in the past. Thanks to modern building regulations and decades of engineering experience, local infrastructure is built to withstand seismic events of this magnitude and beyond.
“Our buildings are constructed with earthquakes in mind,” said a spokesperson for the local municipal authority. “This morning’s event was well within the safety range of our structural standards.”
The Zakynthian community, well accustomed to the island’s geological character, responded with its trademark composure. Residents and local officials remain unconcerned, while keeping a close eye on seismic updates as a routine safety measure.
Ongoing Monitoring, No Cause for AlarmSeismologists are continuing to monitor the region for possible aftershocks, though no significant secondary activity has been reported at this time. Experts note that earthquakes of this size are common in the Ionian Sea and typically pose minimal risk to populated areas, especially when they occur offshore and at moderate depth.
There have been no disruptions to transportation, tourism, or daily life on the island.


A Reminder, Not a ThreatWhile the tremor served as a reminder of Zakynthos' dynamic geology, it also highlighted the island’s preparedness and resilience. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to remain informed but reassured.
The situation remains stable, and no emergency measures have been enacted.

Visitors and locals in Zakynthos, Greece, should brace for unsettled autumn weather as a spell of rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms moves across the Ionian Islands in early October. According to the latest forecasts, October 2nd and 3rd will bring a significant shift from the typically mild and pleasant conditions the island is known for during the fall season.

Thursday, October 2: Heavy Showers and ThunderstormsThe day is expected to start off relatively mild, but skies will be mostly cloudy with heavy showers occurring in the morning, followed by intermittent rainfall into the afternoon. Some brief breaks of sun may appear between showers, but the overall tone of the day will be grey and damp.
Temperatures will remain moderate, with a high around 21°C (70°F) and a low of 16°C (60°F). However, a Yellow Warning has been issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) for thunderstorms affecting the Ionian Islands — including Zakynthos — between 10:00 PM and 2:59 AM EEST. Residents and travelers are advised to take precautions, particularly in open or elevated areas, due to the risk of lightning and localized flooding.

Friday, October 3: Windy and Cooler with Showers Throughout the DayThe unstable weather will persist into Friday, with conditions turning markedly cooler and windier. The forecast predicts mostly cloudy skies and periods of rain, with brief showers possible in the morning and more persistent rainfall expected in the afternoon.
Temperatures will drop slightly, with a high of just 17°C (62°F) and a low of 16°C (61°F). The strong winds will add to the chill, making the day feel even cooler than it is. Those venturing outdoors are encouraged to wear layers and carry waterproof clothing, as sudden rain bursts and gusty winds may disrupt outdoor plans.


Travel & Safety Advice

• Avoid open terrain and elevated areas during the thunderstorm warning on the night of October 2.
  
• Exercise caution when driving or walking on slippery surfaces.
  
• Strong winds on October 3 could affect boating, beach activities, and outdoor excursions.
  
• Keep an eye on local weather updates and alerts from our Civil Protection Unit. 
  
  

While Zakynthos is no stranger to changing weather in October, the forecast for October 2–3, 2025, is notably stormy and unsettled. If you're on the island during this time, it’s wise to adjust your plans accordingly — and perhaps swap beach days for indoor sightseeing, cultural tours, or a cozy meal with that perfect view. 

The Hellenic Air Force (HAF) is currently making waves in the international military community with its participation in 4 major exercises aimed at boosting operational readiness and interoperability. The sound of their aircraft was even heard loud and clear in Zakynthos, too.
In the Multinational Exercise "VOLFA 2025" at Mont de Marsan Air Base in France, the 337th Squadron has deployed 4 F-16s to showcase their skills and enhance combat capability from September 22 to October 10.

Next on the agenda is the NATO Tiger Meet 2025, also known as NTM 25, at Beja Air Base in Portugal. The 335th Squadron is representing HAF with 4 F-16s in this prestigious event running from September 19 to October 3.
Meanwhile, the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) at Los Llanos Air Base in Albacete, Spain sees the 341st Squadron in action with 4 F-16s from September 11 to October 3. This exercise is crucial for honing leadership skills and improving tactical capabilities.​

Last but not least, the European Spartan Exercise 2025 (ESE 25) is happening at Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria. The Hellenic Air Force has deployed C-27J aircraft for this event which runs from September 22 to October 3.
The simultaneous participation in these 4 international exercises demonstrates the Hellenic Air Force's increased capabilities and effectiveness on the global stage. Not only does it showcase their skills and prowess, but also underscores their vital role in enhancing deterrence and international cooperation. The HAF's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence is evident in its active involvement in these exercises, setting a high standard for other air forces to follow. And the sound of their aircraft can even be heard loud and clear in Zakynthos, showcasing the HAF's presence and impact.
​source:- HAF.gr