Greece is a country of traditions and culture and one celebration which embraces both is “Kathara Deftera’ which translates to Clean Monday.
Kathara Deftera is a bank holiday that each year is on a different date since it is directly connected with Greek Easter.
On Kathara Deftera food plays a major part again but the special about this day is that meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products are forbidden.
Celebrations for Clean Monday can take place indoors or outdoors. It all depends on the weather conditions of the day.
Wherever it takes place the food is an unrepeatable feast to the eye and the taste and is more than n delicious.
Octopus is cooked in a variety of ways. Calamari is usually fried. Prawns fried or grilled.
A variety of oysters depends on the region of Greece you are in and what their local catch is.
Salads of the season. Gigantes (giant bean casserole. Taramosalata. Olives of all kinds, black, green, stuffed with pepper or almonds.
A selection of pickles and of course the very special flat lent bread that is called Lagana.
The highlight of Clean Monday’s delicacies is Halvas.
On Clean Monday, most of the locals buy Halva from the stores. And that Halva is made with tahini.
In some areas, though, like in inland Greece they make their own halva that this time is made with semolina or normal flour, olive oil, water, and sugar or honey syrup and when ready it is usually sprinkled with cinnamon.
Clean Monday is also the only day that flying kites is top on the list! A great activity that when the weather permits offer joy to families all over Greece.
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