Green Monday

There’s something special about springtime in Cyprus. The air is warm but fresh, the hills are alive with wildflowers, and the sky stretches wide and blue above the Mediterranean. This year, we celebrated Green Monday in true Cypriot style, heading up to Panorama in Pissouri for a day filled with food, tradition, and the simple joys of the season.

Green Monday, also known as Clean Monday, marks the beginning of Lent in the Greek Orthodox calendar. But beyond its religious significance, it’s a day rooted in community and culture, where families and friends gather outdoors for picnics, games, and kite-flying.

The Panorama area of Pissouri, true to its name, offers stunning views over the village and coastline, making it the perfect spot for a Green Monday celebration. As we arrived, the buzz of laughter and music filled the air. The local children started off the afternoon's entertainment with a display of Cypriot dancing.

We found ourselves welcomed by locals, who, in true Cypriot hospitality, insisted we try everything. A sip of local wine (Lenten fasting doesn’t prohibit that, thankfully!) and we were well and truly in the festive spirit.