The dietary customs during the Carnival season in Greece
In our previous article 5 places to visit during the Greek Carnival season, we saw some of the unique customs and happenings across the country. This article will go through the dietary customs during the Carnival season.
Apokries -the Greek word for Carnival- literally means "abstention from meat". It is not a coincidence considering that the beginning of Carnival signals the opening of "Triodion", a three weeks season named after the liturgical book used by the church from then until the Holy Week. In other words, the carnival season is the preparation period before the Great Lent. Throughout Triodion, many Greeks follow the dietary practices dictated by the holy traditions.
Celebrating "Tsiknopempti", Fat Thursday, with meat skewers. Image by MariaPolna, pxhere
The meat-eating week & Fat Thursday
During the first two weeks of Carnival, meat consumption is permitted. In particular, the first week is called "Prophoni" (preannouncement week) because it signals the beginning of the Triodion. The second one is "Kreatini" (Meatfare week), which is the last week people can eat meat. Traditionally during this week, the families consume all the animal food available in the household. The high point of Kreatini week is "Tsiknopempti" (Fat Thursday). "Tsikna" means the smell of grilled meat, and "Pemti" is the Greek word for Thursday. It is called Tsiknopemti because of the smell in the air during that day. Friends and family gather together to have a proper BBQ at home or celebrate the day at local tavernas. They are served all kinds of grilled meat and plenty of wine. It is a sumptuous feast before the great fasting!
Gigantes is a traditional dish with giant beans. Image by Dimitris Siskopoulos, flickr.com
The cheese & dairy eating week
The last week of the season is called "Tyrini" (Cheesefare week). It is the week before Lent, so everyone is preparing for the transition. During that period, the consumption of meat stops and the everyday diet consists of dairy products, fish, seafood, legumes and vegetables. The end of the week leads to Clean Monday. The common term for this day refers to leaving sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods behind. It signals the beginning of the Great Lent that lasts until Easter Sunday.
Taramosalata (fish roe salad) is a traditional Clean Monday table dish. Image by topsyntages.gr, flickr.com
Clean Monday, the beginning of the Lent
Clean Monday is a bank holiday in Greece and is well-celebrated everywhere. Every municipality organises events, the "Koulouma", where all the neighbours gather to enjoy each others' company along with food, music, dancing and kite flying! It is a custom to celebrate Koulouma outside or, better yet, in the countryside. However, it is not uncommon for families and friends to gather at home and enjoy an extravagant meal there.
The table of Clean Monday usually consists of legumes – primarily the Greek giant beans "Gigantes" or the traditional bean soup "Fasolada " and seafood. One typical dish that's never missing from Clean Monday's table is "Taramosalata" (fish roe salad), a delicious spread of fish eggs. The day's culinary highlight is a type of bread, the famous "Lagana". Lagana is a flatbread with no butter or milk and is covered with sesame seeds. The bakeries prepare this bread only once a year, on Clean Monday. Check out Lemon & Olives' article about Clean Monday and the beginning of Lent, where you will also find a recipe to make your own Lagana bread!
Lagana, the traditional flatbread baked only on Clean Monday. Image by Andrzej_22, licensed
The Carnival season in Greece is full of festivities, unique customs and loads of food! So if you find yourself here, do not hesitate to rent a car, drive in the countryside, and celebrate with the locals!
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Featured image by Klearchos Kapoutsis, licensed.