Kalo Mina is a warm greeting spoken on the streets in Greece and now around the world! As we walk the streets and enter into shops, people everywhere embrace this saying, offering one another blessings for the month. Lent is upon us as Greek Orthodox Christians preparing for Greek Easter Week. This year we celebrate Easter together on the same date as others, which occurs only every four years, as we follow the old calendar. A typical holy week menu is Lentil Soup, Olives, Boiled Vegetables, and Fruit. Today, a vegan or vegetarian diet is prepared for the Holy Week. As a child this was very difficult, but my mother came through with p and j sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, and homecooked potato fries.
Preparation for Easter
Families are preparing for a very busy week, with meaning and tradition in the kitchen and home. My Lent recipes can be found here. The dishes vary as several generations may be involved in celebrating this holiday. Special breads, desserts, lamb dishes, salads, and sides are prepared for Sunday dinner. Besides, eating, traditions may involve purchasing the family new clothing for Saturday Night’s church service symbolizing the Life after the Resurrection. Going to church is very important in Greek Life, and is expected from the children as well. As a child having two weeks off was the best.
Food preparation begins very early in the home involving the children and family. Beginning with the dying of the red eggs, prepared on Holy Thursday, also known as Red Thursday. (Kokkininopempti) Red symbolizing the blood of Christ on the cross. Here’s my post on coloring Greek Easter Eggs.
Greek Easter Bread is also prepared for the family and guests. It’s an option to place the red egg in the bread or leave it as is. But, the red eggs are a must-have for the family breaking ceremony.
The traditional bread, Tsoureki, and the Mayeristsa Soup are staples on the household table, along with the eggs and lamb. You may enjoy my Greek recipes for Lent and Greek Easter here. As the holy week begins on Monday many traditions which are followed with the family and church members as we gather in sorrow and happiness as the approach the beginning of Easter. More on the Holy Week can be found here.
Kalo Mina,
© 2017 – 2025, Mary Papoulias-Platis. All rights reserved.
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Hello from California Greek Girl. I’m the owner of Ethos Culinary located in the beautiful city of Carlsbad. Join me as we explore California’s bounty of foods, farmlands, and culinary experts. I’m looking forward to bringing you Greek, Mediterranean and Plant-Forward Cuisines. OPA!
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