Things are heating up around cold Greece.  When I left the coffee shop around noon yesterday they were setting up tables for a private party with a bottle of my favourite Paros red on each table.

Wednesday we received this notice from the Parikia community hall: 

Archilochos Society invites you to a pure fun Carnival Party
this Thursday 19 February, starting at: 21:00 until late!
Carnival mood, dance & songs in Brazilian tunes.

Everybody tries to brighten up the winter and let loose before Lent starts.  Patras in the Peloponnese area of Greece lays claim to the largest celebration in Europe.  These two photos are from there (http://www.patranews.gr)

I saw a news item that church authorities had petitioned the courts to stop a float in the Patras parade that depicted the recent church/government land swap scandal.

The first day of Lent is known as Clean Monday (Kathari Theftera). Read more about the day and other Greek festivals on our web site or see photos in several  blog posts by searching "kite flying".

We have at least two parties this weekend so I am off . . .

Cheers!