Image by RobW_ via Flickr Of all the Christian feast days, Easter is the greatest time for foods, feasting and celebration to people in the Greek Orthodox faith.
The celebrations for Easter begin two months before with Mardi Gras. The Carnival or Apokria season starts on the Sunday of Teloni and Fariséou and ends on Shrovetide Sunday with the Burning of the Carnival King... setting fire to an enormous paper maché effigy of Judas in the early evening.
The celebrations for Easter begin two months before with Mardi Gras. The Carnival or Apokria season starts on the Sunday of Teloni and Fariséou and ends on Shrovetide Sunday with the Burning of the Carnival King... setting fire to an enormous paper maché effigy of Judas in the early evening.
The fireworks and feasting continue throughout the night. The next day, Kathará Deftéra or Kathari Deutera, is known as Lent Monday or Ash Monday, or the day of Koulouma.
For Greeks, Lent Monday is one of the most festive holidays of the year. Decorated with the colorful local almond trees and mimosas bursting into bloom, nature invites children and their parents into the hills of Athens and the Greek countryside. Flying kites and feasting at local tavernas or outdoor picnics is how Lent begins in Greece.
For Greeks, Lent Monday is one of the most festive holidays of the year. Decorated with the colorful local almond trees and mimosas bursting into bloom, nature invites children and their parents into the hills of Athens and the Greek countryside. Flying kites and feasting at local tavernas or outdoor picnics is how Lent begins in Greece.
Normally Greek people go on picnics on holidays such as today, having packed the Koulouma and their kites, but… an a icy cold front is on the way and snow is expected even in Athens by tomorrow night, so this year I see many people staying at home.
Nonetheless, nothing will weigh down our “meraki” (zeal and passion for celebrating life)…. What ever has?
Kala koulouma, and Kali mas sarakosti everyone!
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