March 3 is Green Monday – Caritas is closed

Green, or Clean, Monday (in Greek known as Kathara Deftera) is the first day of Lent for Orthodox Christians. Lent is a period which lasts 40 days until Easter. Green Monday is a public holiday in Cyprus and is celebrated outdoors usually in fields, parks or on beaches. Many take the opportunity to fly kites! Many begin the Lenten fasting period with a day of strict fasting that avoids meat, eggs, dairy and oil. A special type of sesame bread called “lagana” is eaten with tahini, olives, hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, artichokes, peppers, beetroot, coriander and cucumbers. Dessert may include fruit and halva (various forms of sesame candy or semolina pudding made with honey, nuts, raisins, cinnamon and cloves) and daktila which are syrupy, slightly crunchy, finger shaped cookies. Not everyone follows the Lenten fast but most bakeries, restaurants and fast-food takeaways do cater to those who are observant offering “nistisima” (fasting) options.