ATH:
Clean Monday – Athens’ Sky Fills With Kites and the Air With the Scent of Lagana

As dawn breaks over Filopappou Hill, hundreds of colorful kites already dance in the crisp spring air, their strings tangled with laughter and the occasional curse. This is Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday), Athens’ most joyous spring celebration – the day the city shakes off Carnival excess and embraces Lent with shockingly delicious austerity.

A Holiday With Byzantine Roots & Modern Flair

The only Greek holiday that’s:

  • Religious (marking Lent’s start)
  • Pagan (kite-flying to ward off evil spirits)
  • Gastronomic (meat/dairy-free feasting that would make any vegan blush)

Where Athenians Celebrate in 2025

1. Filopappou Hill
The ultimate kite-fighting arena where:

  • Old men in caps battle with 50-year-old handmade kites
  • Tech bros crash their drones into traditional octopus designs

2. The Grand Lagana Bake-Off
At Mpallas (Petmeza 1), bakers compete to create:

  • 10-foot lagana (unleavened bread) studded with wild thyme
  • Experimental versions with black sesame or dehydrated olive dust

3. Seafood Tavernas of Piraeus
The Lenten menu stars:

  • Taramosalata so fluffy it defies gravity
  • Octopus grilled over vine cuttings at Ammos (Akti Koumoundourou 44)

2025’s New Twist

The city is introducing:

  • Kite-making workshops using recycled materials in Technopolis
  • Silent disco picnics on Areopagus Hill with Orthodox chant remixes

Why You’ll Gain Weight While Fasting

The "fasting" menu includes:

  • Halva made with aged Mastiha resin
  • Dolmades wrapped in wild grape leaves from Mount Pendeli

Fly Clean, Feast Dirty

American travelers: Skip the cramped flights and arrive ready to feast. PrestigeFly Travel Agency offers:
✔ Business class flights with extra luggage room for kite transport
✔ Private picnics with Acropolis views and chef-prepared fasting menus
✔ Secret bakery tours to taste Lenten treats hot from the oven
Book your spring awakening at PrestigeFly.com