Around the World While Lent is traditionally a time of fasting
and penance, Christians around the world have managed over the
centuries to find colorful ways to participate. By Matthew
Bunson, OSV Newsweekly, 3/6/2011 The last Sunday before Lent
begins is called “Fastelavn.” Cream- or jam-filled buns are
eaten and children dress up in costumes. A barrel filled with
candy is beaten, much like a Mexican piñata, and the two
children who break the barrel are crowned the Cat King and Cat
Queen (because the barrel used to contain a live cat instead of
candy.) The Monday before Ash Wednesday, called Kathari
Theftera, or Clean Monday, is a national holiday in Greece.
Families go to the countryside and beaches for picnics and kite-
flying. Greek Orthodox Christians give up all meat and animal
products during Lent, and eat beans, orzo and pastas. Cookies
and cakes are permitted as long as butter is omitted. The
arrival of Lent is marked by making pancakes and also holding
pancake races. The British Isles also have one o