Clean Monday in the Republic of Cyprus: what it is and how it is celebrated

Green Monday (also "Clean Monday", Καθαρά Δευτέρα) is an official public holiday in the Republic of Cyprus and the first day of Lent before Orthodox Easter. In 2026, it falls on 23 February 2026, in 2027 on 15 March 2027, and in 2028 on 28 February 2028. On this day, many Cypriots do a thorough cleaning, go on picnics, prepare vegetables and seafood, and also fly kites en masse.

• What is Green Monday
• When is Green Monday in 2025–2028
• What not to eat on Green Monday
• How it is celebrated in the Republic of Cyprus
• What children do
• Glossary
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Green Monday

Green Monday is also called Clean Monday. It is the first day of Lent before Easter. It is preceded by Maslenitsa and genuine feasting holidays: Apokria and Tsiknopempti.

Green Monday is officially listed among the public holidays of the Republic of Cyprus: official holidays of the Republic of Cyprus.

When is Green Monday in 2025–2028

What not to eat on Green Monday

Since this is the first day of Lent, foods that are restricted according to this Christian tradition should be avoided. Primarily, this includes meat, dairy products, and eggs. Traditionally, even oil is not added to food on Clean Monday.

Typically, vegetables and seafood are eaten. In practice, many residents of the Republic of Cyprus do not strictly follow the restrictions and may continue to eat their usual meat dishes.

How it is celebrated in the Republic of Cyprus

The day often begins with a large-scale cleaning—hence the name "Clean" Monday. Many people then go on a picnic, preparing vegetables and seafood on the grill. Meat is not considered traditional for this day; "meat feasts" usually occur during the carnival period and Tsiknopempti.

Another recognizable tradition is flying kites. It is believed that they "carry away" all the excess accumulated over the year. In good weather, dozens of kites can be seen simultaneously in parks and open areas.

What children do

Besides flying kites, children often make the Kyra Sarakosti doll (Κυρά Σαρακοστή), which translates as "Lady Lent." It has seven legs, one for each week of Lent. The doll is made from paper or dough, and one leg is symbolically "removed" each week.

On this day, instead of saying "Kalimera," one can hear the greeting "Kali Sarakosti"—a wish for a good Lent.

Glossary

• Green Monday (Clean Monday, Καθαρά Δευτέρα) — the first day of Lent and an official public holiday in the Republic of Cyprus.
• Lent (Sarakosti, Σαρακοστή) — the period of fasting before Easter in the Orthodox tradition.
• Apokria — the carnival period before the start of Lent.
• Tsiknopempti — "Smoky Thursday," a day in the carnival period when meat is traditionally grilled.
• Kyra Sarakosti — a symbolic doll of Lent with seven legs (one for each week of Lent).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Green Monday a public holiday in the Republic of Cyprus?

Yes, it is an official public holiday. List of holidays: official holidays of the Republic of Cyprus.

Why is it called "Green"?

The name is associated with the tradition of spending the day outdoors (picnics) and eating "green" Lenten food—vegetables and greens.

What is usually done on this day?

The typical routine includes a thorough cleaning of the house, followed by a picnic and flying kites.

Can you eat meat?

According to church tradition, meat, dairy products, and eggs are excluded on the first day of Lent. In practice, some people follow the rules strictly, while others do not.

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