Clean Monday was marked across Greece with a mix of quiet tradition and exuberant spectacle, as communities welcomed the start of Lent under clear skies and spring sunshine.
Athens
In Athens, kites rose above Filopappou and Lycabettus hills from early morning, as residents gathered in public spaces despite many opting to leave the capital for the long weekend.
The Municipality of Athens hosted live music from the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside the distribution of Lenten dishes and a traditional island-style feast.
Mayor Haris Doukas was present at the celebrations, greeting attendees and sharing food with the public.
Thessaloniki
Further north, Thessaloniki also observed Clean Monday with community-focused events. The municipality distributed free kites, lagana and fasting foods, with celebrations centred on the Seich Sou forest.
Hundreds gathered to enjoy the weather and fill the sky with colour, as Mayor Stelios Angeloudis visited the area and spoke with locals.
Galaxidi
While most of the country marked the day through kite flying and seafood, the seaside town of Galaxidi once again stood apart with its famous and unruly ‘flour war’.
The town’s coastal road was transformed into a cloud of colour as residents and visitors hurled bags of dyed flour at one another, while spectators watched from balconies above.
Although the spectacle largely subsided after a few hours, some participants carried the celebrations late into the night. Many first-time visitors were among those swept up in the tradition.
