[image courtesy of www.greecetravel.com, a great guide for travel information in Greece]

Last Monday, March 10, was the first day of Orthodox Lent, or Σαρακοστή, called Clean Monday [Κάθαρα Δευτέρη]. On this day, Greeks go to open areas around Athens and fly kites. It’s really a beautiful thing to see. On Clean Monday Greeks clean their house of everything they will fast from for Lent, hence the name “Clean” Monday.

Ironically, Clean Monday was anything but clean. Beginning on Clean Monday, there have been numerous strikes: subways, buses, but most importantly trash pickup. For over a week now, trash has been accumulating in the streets of Athens as the trash workers refuse to pickup trash until their demands are met.

We braved the stench and documented this wonderful event for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy. [If you really want to get the effect, view the slide show below next to an open dumpster!]

Update: The smell made it all the way to England. BBC report on strikes.