8Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera)

Marking the start of Lent, Clean Monday (usually in early March) is one of Greece’s most cherished customs.

Families head to the countryside, beaches, or hills for outdoor picnics filled with fasting foods like taramosalata (fish roe dip), lagana bread, and olives. The sky fills with colorful kites as both children and adults participate in kite-flying competitions. This day embodies Greek hospitality and family togetherness—something most summer travelers never get to experience.

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