Clean Monday 2024 (Greece): Greece observes Clean Monday annually on March 18, the sixth Monday preceding Palm Sunday. This year, Clean Monday falls on March 18. Clean Monday (Kϱθαρά ΔεϷϱρα) is a transitory holiday devoid of a fixed date of observance due to its reliance on the observance of Lent. Clean Monday, which precisely occurs fifty days before Easter in the Orthodox faith, signifies the start of the Great Lent season for devout individuals. Clean Monday is also known as “Monday of Lent,” “Ash Monday,” “Pure Monday,” “Orthodox Shrove Monday,” and “Green Monday” (especially in Cyprus).
Clean Monday is considered the first day of spring in addition to its religious significance, and Greeks typically observe the day with koulouma, or outdoor gatherings and picnics. It signifies the culmination of the month-long Greek Carnival and the passage from festivity to fasting. On Clean Monday, the Greek Orthodox observe special Lent dishes (‘nistisima’ or ‘Sarakostiana’) that consist of seafood, legumes, vegetables, and cereals.
The Origins of Clean Monday
A widely celebrated annual holiday in Greece and Cyprus is Clean Monday. ‘Clean Monday’ (referred to locally as ‘Kathará Deftéra’) derives its name from the Christian doctrine that during the fasting season of Lent, individuals ought to approach the day with pristine intentions and unpolluted souls. Christians have historically observed the Lent season as an opportunity to purge their residences of impurities, reorient their ways of life, and pledge themselves to a more virtuous and upright way of being.
On Clean Monday, as with every other day of Lent, there is a complete fast. Christians are strictly forbidden to consume flesh between the hours of midnight and noon. This is in glaring contrast to the jubilant atmosphere and lavish customs observed during the three weeks leading up to the Greek Carnival, known as the ‘Apokries.’
In Greece, Clean Monday is a significant bank holiday. Frequently, stores are closed and numerous enterprises remain closed. Numerous Greek traditions and customs are observed during the national holiday. In addition to commemorating the advent of spring, Greeks engage in enjoyable outdoor activities and picnics in the countryside on Clean Monday, which are commonly referred to as ‘koulouma.’ In addition, traditional dishes such as olives, octopuses, shellfish, and prawns are consumed.
Greeks produce ‘lagana,’ a special type of unleavened bread, on Clean Monday. It is comparable to the matzah that Jews consume during Passover. Other outdoor activities observed on this national holiday include kite-flying, dancing, listening to music, and more. Young and old alike flock to the picturesque countryside to admire the brilliant sunshine while flying their vibrant kites. In conjunction with Clean Monday, various localities and regions across the nation observe distinctive customs and traditions.
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FAQs on Clean Monday 2024 (Greece)
Why are kites flowing during Clean Monday?
Possible origins of the prevalent practice of kite-flying on Clean Monday include ancient pagan rituals. Conversely, within the Christian Orthodox Church, the kite symbolizes the human spirit, a celestial being in flight, unpolluted and prepared to encounter the Almighty.
How does Holy Week occur in Greece?
Annually, during Holy Week, we commemorate the final days of Jesus’ life on earth. Beliefs in Greece observe Holy Week through the preparation of ‘tsoureki,’ the traditional Greek Easter bread, and the red-dyeing of Easter eggs on Thursday. To mark the occasion of Christ’s funeral, the church chimes will ring continuously throughout the day of Good Friday.
What is your Clean Monday diet?
The Greeks observe Clean Monday by consuming a variety of traditional dishes, including ‘lagana’ (a special for Clean Monday), seafood, seashells, fish roe salad, vegetables, pulses, and halva.
Clean Monday 2024 (Greece) Activities
Consider visiting Greece.
Several enjoyable customs and traditions are associated with Clean Monday, a significant Greek national holiday. Surely, you will have a wonderful time taking in the picturesque countryside and beaches of the nation on this lovely day.
Dish up traditional cuisine
Festivities in the traditional and delectable style, including ‘fasolada,’ ‘taramas,’ ‘lagana,’ halva, cuttlefish, and spinach casserole, grace Clean Monday. Many of these dishes, including those that are vegan and vegetarian, are universally adored.
Utilize gliders
Kite-flying and traditional performances are additional symbols of Clean Monday. You have the option of creating your vibrant kites from scratch or purchasing them pre-made from stores or street vendors. However, watch out for the gusts!
Five facts about Greece that will astound you
There are roughly 6,000 islands in Greece.
Greece comprises an estimated 6,000 picturesque islets and islands, of which a mere 227 are inhabited.
Containing eighteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Popular locations such as the Temple of Apollo, the Acropolis of Athens, Mount Athos, Meteora, the Medieval City of Rhodes, and the Old Town of Corfu are among the eighteen UNESCO World Heritage locations located in Greece.
The weather is sunny at the moment.
Greece, with an annual solar average of 3,000 hours and approximately 250 sunny days, is among the sunniest locations on the planet.
It’s not “Greece” in an official capacity.
The official designation of Greece is the ‘Hellenic Republic’ or ‘Hellas,’ while its citizens are referred to as ‘Hellenes.’
The birthplace of democracy
Since the fifth century B.C., citizens of ancient Greece have had the right to vote directly on legislation and executive measures under the Athenian Democracy.
CLEAN MONDAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 18 | Monday |
| 2025 | March 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 23 | Monday |
