This coming Monday, February 23, is known as ‘Clean Monday’ in Greece, the start of the 40 days of Orthodox Lent, when eating meat, eggs and dairy products is traditionally forbidden.

For those who observe the doctrine, fish is eaten only on major feast days, but shellfish are permitted on the menu. This has created the tradition of eating elaborate dishes based on seafood (shellfish, molluscs, fish roe etc.) and a special kind of bread, baked only on the day, called “Lagana” (λαγάνα).

Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα), is a national holiday in Greece, deemed to be the start of the spring season and is celebrated by outdoor activities, weather permitting, especially the custom of kite flying, symbolising “trying to reach the Divine”.

Shops, banks and offices will be closed for the day.