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Today, Cyprus is buzzing with life as families and friends head outdoors to celebrate Green Monday, or Kathará Deftéra – a beloved tradition that marks the start of Lent in the Orthodox calendar. Falling on the first day of the 40-day fasting period, Green Monday blends religious customs with the simple joy of connecting with nature.
With picnic baskets in hand and kites ready to soar, Cypriots flock to parks, beaches, and the countryside to enjoy the fresh air and the arrival of spring. It’s a day to leave worries behind, soak up the sunshine, and share a meal surrounded by loved ones.
The menu on Green Monday is all about going back to basics. Tables are filled with fasting-friendly foods like olives, vegetables, dips, and fresh bread – especially lagana, a special unleavened loaf baked just for the occasion. Grilled octopus, tahini, hummus, and dolmades are just some of the classic dishes making their way onto picnic blankets.
One of the day’s most colourful traditions is kite flying – a symbol of freedom and the soul's journey toward the divine. The skies across Cyprus come alive with kites of all shapes and sizes, as families compete to see who can fly theirs the highest. For kids and adults alike, it’s a moment of pure joy.
“It’s a day to clear your mind and welcome spring,” says Maria, a mother of two enjoying the festivities in Athalassa Park. “We’ve been doing this since we were kids – now we're passing it on to our own children.”
Green Monday vs. Shrove Monday
While Cyprus embraces Green Monday, many Western countries mark the start of Lent with Shrove Monday – part of the wider Shrovetide celebrations that lead up to Lent. Traditionally, Shrove Monday was a day for confession and clearing out rich foods before the fasting season began. In the UK, for example, it was known as Collopy Monday, where families would cook up leftover bacon and eggs before switching to simpler meals.
In parts of Germany and Austria, Rosenmontag or Rose Monday turns into a final day of wild Carnival parties, with parades and satirical floats filling the streets.
Though the customs differ, both traditions share the same idea – a moment to reset, reflect, and prepare for the solemn weeks ahead. But in Cyprus, Green Monday isn’t just about fasting – it’s about celebrating life, nature, and the bonds that bring people together.
As kites dance in the breeze and the smell of grilled vegetables fills the air, the message is clear: Lent may be a time for reflection, but it starts with a celebration of everything that makes life beautiful.
