This is a very lucky period in Cyprus, as national and religious holidays will give us 3 consecutive Mondays of public holidays.
The first of these holidays is Green Monday, also called “Clean Monday” or “Pure Monday”.
This celebration has a religious meaning as it marks the beginnin of Lent, the Christian period of fasting before Easter.
Green Monday falls right after the end of the Carnival celebrations, which started last week with Tsiknopempti (smokey thursday). Carnival in Cyprus is a must see as it is a great show of Cyprus creativity and people’s will to enjoy life.
After days of masquarades and parades on the streets of the island, Green Monday is a festivity focused on nature, family time and fasting.
On Green Monday, and for the whole period of Lent, 40 days during which many Christians remember the events leading up to the death of Jesus Christ, orthodox believers traditionally fast from meat, dairy products and other animal products, as well as oil.
Every Green Monday, following an ancient tradition, families and friends gather in the countryside, gardens, parks or on the beach, celebrating under sunlight and fresh air.
A tradition of this day is flying colorful kites, either home made or store-bought, followed by both children and adults.
The vegan and vegetarian diet followed during Green Monday feast makes this days the only Cypriot celebration (up to my knowledge) where no Souvla/Souvlaki is eaten.
The dishes include fresh salads, tahini, hummus, olives, seasonal fruit and vegetables, octopus, shrims, desserts with honey, nuts and raisins.
Green Monday does not have a fix date and this year falls on the 18th of March.
Call your cypriot friends, and get ready for this day immerse in nature, spirituality and tradition!
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