What is Clean Monday (Kathari Deftera)?

Clean Monday is a public holiday in Greece that occurs on the first day of the seventh week before Orthodox Easter. It signifies the start of the 40-day fasting period, encouraging Christians to leave behind “sinful” attitudes and non-fasting foods.

In Greek culture, this day is also widely known as Koulouma. While the etymology is debated, many believe it stems from:

• Latin cumulus: Meaning a heap, pile, or mass (referring to the end of a festive cycle).

• Greek kolones: Meaning “columns,” referring to the historic celebrations held at the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens.

The Traditional Food of the Clean Monday Table

The culinary heart of Kathari Deftera lies in its unique “fasting” menu, which avoids meat and dairy while celebrating the bounty of the sea and earth. Central to the feast is Lagana, a crispy, sesame-crusted unleavened bread that bakeries produce exclusively for this day. It is traditionally paired with Taramosalata, a rich and tangy dip made from cured fish roe, and Dolmadakia, which are tender grape leaves meticulously stuffed with herbed rice. Because the Lenten fast allows for bloodless seafood, the table is often filled with grilled octopus, shrimp, and calamari. For dessert, Greeks enjoy Halva, a dense, sweet pudding made from tahini or semolina, providing a satisfying conclusion to a meal that is as much about community and “Koulouma” celebrations as it is about spiritual preparation.

The Tradition of Kite Flying

If you look at the Greek sky on Clean Monday, you will see thousands of colorful kites. This “widespread custom” symbolizes the human spirit soaring toward the divine and the desire for spiritual elevation as the Lenten season begins.

Families typically head to beaches or hillsides—most notably Philopappou Hill in Athens—to enjoy picnics, traditional music, and kite competitions.

Why is it called “Clean” Monday?

The name “Clean Monday” refers to the practice of “cleaning” one’s soul and body. Historically, it was also the day when housewives would scrub all their pots and pans to ensure no traces of animal products remained, preparing the household for the strict 40-day fast ahead.

Did You Know? While Clean Monday is deeply rooted in religious tradition, it is celebrated by almost everyone in Greece as a day to enjoy the outdoors and the first signs of spring.