Kathari Deftera

Today I would like to tell you something about one of the most important days in Greece. “Kathari Deftera” which means as much as Clean Monday commences the 40 day period of the Great Lent for the Greek Orthodox Church.

“Kathari Deftera” is always on the first day of the 7^th week before Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday. It initiates the feast where it is forbidden for any Christian Orthodox to eat meat, eggs and dairy products.

But “Kathari Deftera” is not only associated with not eating any of those animal products as there are many traditions held all over Greece. One of these traditions is kite flying which means that many young and old people go to open areas and let their kites fly. This is a very nice tradition as you can see the sky covered with beautiful handcrafted kites.