First day of Orthodox Lent, a time of family togetherness, kite-flying and distinctive meals embracing the bounty of the sea and the gifts of the earth: octopus, squid, mussels, shrimp, olives, spring onions, radishes, lagana (unleavened bread), halva (tahini-based sweet confection) and the ubiquitous taramosalata (salty, fish-egg spread).
Clean Monday is a public holiday and usually includes a nature excursion with family and friends. It marks the end of Halloween and usually falls in late February or early March.