The First Day of Lent or “Kathari Deftera,{Clean Monday or Ash Monday}as it is known in Greece, is one of the most important dates in the Greek Orthodox calendar and among one of the most  important Greek traditions.

It is the beginning of a 40 day fasting period, known as “Sarakosti” for the Eastern Orthodox Church, that precedes the Orthodox Easter.

Clean Monday also marks the end of the Carnival festivities, during which excessive partying and meat eating take place, during the three weeks of the Carnival season.

Unique Greek Traditions

The Great Lent is also associated with a period of cleansing for the mind and the body.

Thus, the foods that are consumed from Lent Monday and during the period of “Sarakosti, include mainly vegetarian dishes as well as shellfish and mollusks. A widespread custom also is the consumption of a flat bread known as “Lagana” that is only baked on this day. The tradition of the “lagana” dates back to the Old Testament. It is accompanied by a savory dip made from fish roe, lemon, and olive oil, that is known as “taramosalata”.

The table on this day is meant to be set from midday until late in the evening. Other dishes included are pulses, salads and “dolmadakia”, washed down by chilled Greek ouzo or “tsipouro”.

For dessert “Halva”, a sweet log, made from a combination of sesame, tahini and honey as well as chocolate and nuts is served with coffee.

Being a public holiday both in Greece and Cyprus, picnics in the outdoors under the sounds of traditional folk music and dancing in the beautiful Greek nature are customary.

Kite flying is also associated with this holiday, with people trying to get their kites up into the air and maintaining them as high as possible. The sight of the blue Greek sky, filled with numerous kites is a unique symphony of colors and movement.

The celebration of Clean Monday with its culinary traditions and festivities provide the perfect excuse for a leisurely escape in the Greek outdoors while upholding the cultural and religious traditions that have been passed on through generations.