More Greek Celebrations

 Lockdown, quarantine, doesn't make any difference.   Festivities continue.

Sunday 28 February was the celebration of the Prodigal Son,  the rich young man who wasted his inheritance, became a herder of pigs and then crawled back in disgrace to his father who welcomed him back into the family .  Here it is celebrated by the church and by all those who see themselves as naughty boys.  That's every darn one of them, boys or men.  Just another excuse to eat and drink and spend the day enjoying themselves.

It was also my eldest grandaughter's 18th birthday so double joy and jollity.

Healthier food on the table for a change.  No fat pig.

Nels is an athlete

Roast beetroot, carrots and mushrooms

Seafood spaghetti

Steamed beetroot leaves and stalks in oil and lemon juice

Dunking into the octopus and onions

Letting it all out

March is a busy month.

-  This Thursday is Tsiknopempti or Smoky Thursday, the big meat eating day just before Lent.  

- 8 March is International Women's Day.  A celebration which won't be noticed this year.  In days gone by the island's women would gather, young and old, to eat, drink and dance on tables.

- 15 March is Clean Monday which marks the beginning of Lent.  Orthodox easter is not until May 2nd this year.

17 March is Saint Patrick's day.  NOT celebrated here but it is also my neice Kathryn's birthday.  We'll have to lift a glass or two of Irish beer to ensure her longlasting happiness and health and quick return to her island home

-25 March is a National Holiday.  Was once observed with parades of school children, wreath laying and greek dancing.  Also the name day of those called Vangelis or Evangelia.  We may celebrate that.  Our neighbour and koumbaros (K was best man at his wedding) is named Vangelis so if all goes well he may just invite us for a raki and sticky cake.

We shall see.  Lockdown has just been extended till mid March.