Green Monday traditions signal the beginning of Great Lent in the Orthodox Christian calendar, seven weeks before Easter. Also known as Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera), the day represents spiritual cleansing and renewal as the faithful embark on the 40-day fasting period leading to Holy Week.
While observed across the Orthodox world, Green Monday holds a particularly vibrant cultural presence in Cyprus, where religious reflection blends seamlessly with outdoor celebration, even for those who don’t observe Lent. It is a day that combines faith, food, music, and fresh air, marking both a spiritual reset and the island’s gentle turn toward spring.
Fasting foods and family gatherings
Food lies at the heart of Green Monday traditions. As Lent begins, meat and dairy are removed from the table, making way for a colourful spread of fasting dishes. Tables fill with lagana (unleavened bread), olives, tahini, hummus, taramosalata, fresh vegetables, legumes, and seafood such as octopus and cuttlefish.
Across the island, families pack baskets and head to the countryside, parks, and beaches for festive picnics. Blankets are spread under trees, grills are prepared for seafood, and laughter carries across open fields. Wine and traditional zivania are often shared in moderation, adding warmth to the celebratory atmosphere.
The day is as much about togetherness as it is about tradition- a chance for multiple generations to gather outdoors and enjoy the simplicity of shared food and open skies.
Community celebrations and cultural events
Beyond family picnics, Green Monday traditions often extend into organised community celebrations. Municipalities across Cyprus typically host open-air events in parks, village squares, and coastal areas, transforming public spaces into lively cultural gatherings.
Live traditional music fills the air as musicians play the laouto and violin, setting the rhythm for folk dance performances. Local dance groups dressed in traditional Cypriot costumes perform well-known village dances, inviting spectators to clap along, and often to join in.
Children’s activities, kite competitions, and food stalls serving fasting delicacies further enhance the festive mood. These events celebrate Cyprus’ cultural heritage, while reinforcing a sense of unity at the start of Lent.
Even when weather conditions alter plans, the spirit of Green Monday traditions remains rooted in togetherness, cultural pride, and shared custom.
The symbolism of kite flying
One of the most recognisable Green Monday traditions is kite flying. From early morning, colourful kites rise above open fields and coastal areas, dotting the sky with bright shapes and long trailing ribbons.
For many, kite flying is a cherished childhood memory- a symbol of freedom, playfulness, and hope. Spiritually, the kite represents the soul’s elevation and the aspiration for renewal, reflecting Lent’s deeper message of reflection and inner growth.
The sight of kites stretching high into the blue sky has become one of the most iconic images of the day in Cyprus.
A day of renewal and hope
Beyond its religious significance, Green Monday traditions emphasise connection – to family, to community, and to nature. The day signals a fresh beginning.
As families gather once again, Green Monday offers a moment to pause, reset, and look ahead with clarity and intention.
May this Green Monday bring renewal, joy and- for those beginning their fast- strength for the Lenten journey ahead.
Also read: Cyprus Green Monday prices jump for key foods
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