3 years ago

Kites fill the sky on Clean Monday despite covid-19 pandemic

Beautifully bright and colourful kites danced in the skies on Clean Monday, marking the start of Orthodox Lent.

Last week, the Greek government announced that parks in cities would remain open on Clean Monday (amid the pandemic), however kite fliers would still need permission to leave their homes.

Greece is still in lockdown and individuals are not allowed to travel beyond 2 kilometres of their home to visit supermarkets, food stores and other essential goods shops or to go to the bank.

The custom of flying kites on Clean Monday is directly linked to the spiritual state of mind of Orthodox Christians.

The first kites that were spotted in Greece in the post-modern era came from the eastern areas and more specifically the Eptanisa, Chios, Samos, until they eventually made their way to the city of Patra and became common all around the country.

"I've been flying kites for the last 40 years," Panagiotis Velopoulos told AP.

"There are not as many people as in previous years, but I feel very good today."

Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα), is the first day of the Eastern Orthodox Christian and Eastern Catholic Great Lent.

Why do Greeks fly kites on Clean Monday?

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