Green Monday Cyprus 2011 (Or "Clean Monday")
Green Monday is a public holiday in Cyprus and Greece and it signifies the beginning of Lent and fasting before Easter - no meat products are consumed until Easter Sunday. After the costume parties, street parades and festivities that took place throughout Cyprus, Green Monday is a day where families and friends gather outdoors with a feast of tradtional fasting foods such as a variety of fresh vegetables and traditional breads. Young and old alike enjoy flying and watching kites high above their heads.
A few "rules" to follow this year which include where and how high kites can be flown, especially near the Paphos and Larnaca airports. The Forestry Department has let the public know not to uproot any wild flowers as there are many protected species in Cyprus and picking them incurs a hefty fine. Lastly, and not a rule but something to be aware of is that fresh produce has seen a substantial price hike in anticipation of the holiday so don't be surprised at the 1 Euro per kilo price hike for cucumbers making them 3 Euros a kilo!
Despite the warnings, Green Monday is always a fun day for those who participate, picnic and fly kites and for those who just stroll the beaches and watch the activity.
In Paphos, the Resort at Aphrodite Hills will have entertainment from 11am - 3pm on Monday, 7th 2011. There will be tradtional Green Monday kite flying, activities for children to include face painting, bouncy castles, pottery painting, mini-olympics and a traditional live dance show all taking place in a stunning setting. There is also a lovely shaded playground for children and mini-golf that kids love. A lunch buffet will also be available for all to enjoy.
Happy Green Monday Everyone!