As the vibrant Carnival season comes to an end in Greece, Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera) marks the beginning of Great Lent. Falling 48 days before Easter Sunday, this important day is observed with a spirit of renewal, fasting, and outdoor festivities. In Crete, Clean Monday is a cherished occasion that brings families and communities together to enjoy nature, traditional foods, and cultural customs that have been passed down through generations.
Clean Monday with the Camel in Kaina
An ancient tradition that has been revived every Clean Monday in the village of Kaina in the Apokoronas region is the "Camel" ritual. Villagers begin preparations early in the morning to construct the camel and partake in the custom of "moutzouroma" (blackening their faces). Children gather at a house to help each other create original costumes.
Adults collect materials the day before to construct the camel, which dates back to the 19th century and has Dionysian origins. The camel is made using a wooden ladder, two large baskets forming its humps, a plastic sheet (traditionally used for collecting olives), and the skull of a donkey. A pulley is placed in the mouth to allow it to open and close, while mandarin-painted eyes and rabbit fur complete the disguise. Three people typically animate the camel—one handling the head and the other two forming the humps.
Once the camel is ready, it parades through the village, ultimately gathering at the central square. Locals dress in handmade costumes and follow the procession, often adorned with sheep bells and animal furs. The celebration continues into the evening with traditional Cretan music and dancing.
Traditional Cretan Wedding in Rethymno
In Fourfouras, Amari, the traditional Cretan wedding is reenacted with the participation of dozens of "actors" and hundreds of "wedding guests," following authentic Cretan customs. The wedding procession begins in the Patela neighborhood, where the groom's family, accompanied by musicians, makes its way to the Plakoura neighborhood to collect the bride. The exchange of mantinades (Cretan folk couplets) takes place before the wedding party heads to the village square for the ceremony.
In the villages of Meronas and Melidoni in Rethymno, other traditions such as "Kantis" and "Moutzouroma" are revived, accompanied by fine wine and the sounds of the lyra, creating a truly unique experience.
Abundance of Meat in Lassithi
In the village of Mylos, Elounda, Clean Monday celebrations feature traditional Lenten dishes, live music, and even grilled meat for those who aren’t fasting.
Orange Festival in Fodele
In Fodele, Clean Monday is celebrated with the "Golden Apples of the Hesperides" festival, dedicated to oranges. Locals and visitors enjoy colorful, fragrant festivities featuring foods, sweets, and raki made from oranges.
Traditional Koulouma in Avdou
In Avdou, Clean Monday is marked with bean soup, fasting foods, drinks, sweets, and traditional music and dance performances.
Apokriyomata Festival in Rouvas
In Rouvas, the "Apokriyomata" festival starts early in the morning. Participants dress as "Arkoudiarides" (bear-like figures) wearing goat and sheep skins, with blackened faces and bells, chained together as they dance a wild and eerie dance, scaring young "Zorros" and "Night Princesses."
Clean Monday in Crete is a time of joy, tradition, and cultural revival. Each village adds its own distinct touch, ensuring the preservation of customs that date back centuries.
