Event: Greece - Athens

Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday)

When:	10 Mar 2008 (annual)
Where:	Athens

The first day of Lent is a cause for great celebration and rich pageantry in Athens. Colourful kites fill the sky and traditional Greek music fills the air, as does the inviting aroma of specially prepared foods.

Philopappaou Hill, at the base of the Acropolis, is where the Lenten fast officially starts. Visitors can savour delicacies such as octopus, shrimp, bread, olives, cod roe and sweet halvah while sipping wine and dancing to traditional Greek music.

Holiday feasts are also held annually at Lycabettus Hill, the park at Veiko and on the pristine beaches along the Attica coast, where Athenians compete in a creative kite contest.

Eat, drink and dance your way into the Lenten spirit.