Kathara Deftera (Καθαρά Δευτέρα - Clean Monday)
Kathara Deftera is one of the most important celebrations in the Greek Orthodox calendar, marking the first day of Great Lent (Sarakosti), the 40-day fasting period leading up to Orthodox Easter. It falls on the first day of the seventh week before Easter Sunday and is a national public holiday in Greece. The day is celebrated with outdoor gatherings, kite flying, and a festive table of fasting foods such as lagana (unleavened flatbread baked only on this day), taramosalata, octopus, shellfish, olives, and halva, all while abstaining from meat, fish, and dairy.

The Sunday Before - Forgiveness Vespers
Clean Monday begins on the preceding Sunday night at a special service called Forgiveness Vespers, which culminates in the Ceremony of Mutual Forgiveness. Worshippers approach one another, and their priest, bowing humbly and offering the words "Συγχώρεσέ με" - "Forgive me." The response comes gently in return: "Ο Θεός να σε συγχωρεί, και εμένα συγχώρεσε" - "May God forgive you, and please forgive me as well." It is a profound and tender ritual that closes the Carnival season (Apokries) and ushers in Lent, with hearts unburdened and souls made ready for the journey ahead.

All roads lead to Goumenissa! Join us this Clean Monday at 13:00 at the 23rd October Square, and celebrate the day the way it was meant to be celebrated - with dancing, a warm bowl of bean soup, sweet halva, and a glass of fine Goumenissa wine, all in the company of the famous Halkina (bronze bands) of Goumenissa. Come with an open heart, bring those you love, and let the day fill you with joy.

And before you leave, be sure to stop by The Goumenissa Project - where you'll find your favorite souvenirs alongside the stories that make them meaningful. Because every keepsake from Goumenissa carries a piece of its soul.