How to Celebrate Clean Monday on the Athenian Riviera

Feb

How to Celebrate Clean Monday on the Athenian Riviera

Clean Monday, known as Kathara Deftera in Greece, marks the beginning of Great Lent in the Greek Orthodox calendar. It is a day dedicated to spiritual cleansing, fasting, and kite-flying, bringing families and communities together. Observed 48 days before Orthodox Easter Sunday, Clean Monday is deeply rooted in Greek traditions and is a significant cultural event across the country, including the Athenian Riviera. Clean Monday is celebrated on March 03, 2025.

What is The Meaning of Clean Monday

Clean Monday symbolizes renewal and purity, both religiously and seasonally. It signals the end of the carnival season (Apokries) and the beginning of the Lenten fast (Sarakosti), during which Orthodox Christians abstain from meat and dairy products in preparation for Easter. Clean Monday is celebrated with joy, as well as community gatherings and outdoor activities.

Traditional Foods of Clean Monday

As a fasting day, Clean Monday meals consist of plant-based delicacies, fresh seafood, and the Lagana bread, a special unleavened flatbread only baked on this day. Typical foods include:

: Lagana bread

: Horta – wild greens

Lagana – A sesame-covered, airy bread that is the staple of the day.

Taramosalata – A creamy dip made from fish roe, olive oil, lemon juice, and bread or potatoes.

Dolmadakia – Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.

Gigantes Plaki – Oven-baked giant beans in tomato sauce.

Horta – Boiled wild greens drizzled with olive oil and lemon.

Octopus and Shellfish – While meat is avoided, seafood such as calamari, shrimp, and mussels are commonly enjoyed.

Halva – A traditional semolina or tahini-based dessert, often flavored with cinnamon or nuts.

: Dolmadakia

: Fried calamari – squid

On the Athenian Riviera, you can enjoy a memorable Clean Monday meal at seafront tavernas that dot the coastal areas of Vouliagmeni, Glyfada, and Varkiza, where fresh seafood is served against the backdrop of the Saronic Gulf. You can also drive further toward Sounio and enjoy an outing in Anavyssos or Lavrio. Check out our post on The Best Seafood Tavernas in the Athenian Riviera

This is one of the year’s busiest days, so be prepared – it will be very crowded everywhere you go.

Kite Flying: A Signature Clean Monday Tradition

One of the most beloved customs of Clean Monday is kite flying, symbolizing the soul’s journey towards spiritual elevation. Families and children gather in open spaces, beaches, and parks to fly colorful kites, turning the sky into a vibrant display of joy.

For those celebrating Clean Monday on the Athenian Riviera, some of the best kite-flying spots include:

Ellinikon Experience Park – A modern green space with ample open areas.

Athines By The Sea in Voula – plenty of space to fly your kite. Great for kids, as the area is protected. Parents can enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine at the DOT Beach Vibes cafe.

Glyfada Beach – The whole coastal stretch is the perfect spot to fly kites and enjoy time out in nature

Vouliagmeni Beach – A scenic spot where the sea breeze helps kites soar high.

Varkiza Resort – A family-friendly beach perfect for celebrations.

Anavyssos Beach – there is ample space to fly your kite, and it’s a popular windsurfer spot

Flisvos Park in Palaio Faliro – A spacious park by the marina, ideal for picnics and kite flying.

Enjoy an Outdoor Picnic

Clean Monday is a wonderful time to embrace nature, and Greeks traditionally celebrate outdoors in parks, mountains, and seaside locations. Some families bring baskets filled with fasting-friendly delights and enjoy a day of relaxation, music, and socializing.

For a fantastic Clean Monday picnic on the Athenian Riviera, consider: