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The first day of Lent (Lent is the forty-day-long liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where according to the Bible he endured temptation by Satan.), known as Kathara Deftera, or Clean Monday, is cause for great celebration and rich pageantry in Athens. Colourful kites and traditional Greek music fill the air, as does the inviting aroma of specially prepared foods.

Philopappaou Hill, at the base of the Acropolis, is where the Lenten fast officially starts. Visitors can savour delicacies such as octopus, shrimp, bread, olives, cod roe and sweet halvah while sipping wine and dancing to traditional Greek music.

Holiday feasts are also held annually at Lycabettus Hill, the park at Veiko and on the pristine beaches along the Attica coast, where Athenians compete in a creative kite contest.

Eat, drink and dance your way into the Lenten spirit.