Clean Monday Description
Kathara Deftera marks the first day of Great Lent in the Orthodox Christian calendar, a 40-day period of fasting and spiritual preparation leading to Easter. It is a public holiday celebrated outdoors with family picnics and kite flying, symbolizing spiritual liberation. Traditional Lenten foods include lagana (unleavened flatbread), taramosalata (fish roe dip), olives, and halva. Government offices, banks, and most businesses close. Across Greece, from Athens' Philopappou Hill to village fields, colorful kites fill the skies as families enjoy the last feast before the strict fasting period begins.
