march blog entry - 'green monday'

What is ‘Green Monday’? Green Monday also known as ‘Clean Monday’, marks the beginning of 48 days fasting leading up to the Orthodox Easter. It is a public holiday here in Cyprus. Traditionally Cypriots use this day to go on a days excursion into the great outdoors and PARTY! They feast on shellfish, Octopus and Squid and many other fasting foods. Also baked only on that day is a special bread called ‘LAGANA’ (Very tasty).

Everybody ventures out into the fields, on the beaches and into the mountains and have a wonderful time and when they are all as high as a kite....the kites come out!! Yes, Kite flying, another tradition observed on this day. It symbolises the freedom of the Spirit and the cleansing away of sins, and of course the forever competitive Cypriot....who can fly their kite highest.

My daughter and I were lucky enough to get invited to go up into the mountains with our neighbours to their mountain retreat  in Lefkara to join them in the festivities.

We had an excellent meal of Octopus and Squid cooked in a traditional clay oven. (see pic above). Of course the table was also laden with an array of dips, olives, salads and various breads including the ‘LAGANA’ I mentioned earlier. This was washed down with copious amounts of Scotch, Beer and too much more. We had a great day.
 
Until next time
               Happy days!