Free fun for the young and old alike
Kite-flying and the traditional picnic known as Koulouma is held every Clean Monday on Philopappou Hill, where there is a wonderful view of the city, with the Parthenon in the foreground. Weather permitting, Athenians young and old will converge on the hill this Monday, setting out their superbly tasty food on the ancient rocks. Then it’s time for the real fun to begin as the kites come out; one person holding the tail, another holding the kite and running with the first breath of wind to get it up as high as possible and, just as difficult, keep it there. There are always those who try to knock down their opponents’ kites, or get theirs caught up in power lines, despite annual warnings from PPC, the Public Power Corporation. But when the kites take off, most of them in the colors of the owners’ favorite football teams, it is a truly magnificent sight, one that has provided subjects for many Greek artists such as Tsarouchis, Vassileiou or Fasianos. The kites used to be made at home by fathers, the children lending a hand. Now they are sold on every streetcorner. Another venue is the Pikioni playground in Filothei, in the National Bank Square, from 10 a.m. until late afternoon. The municipality of Filothei invites one and all every year, and with the Filothei Girl Guide group, lays on all the traditional food, along with a DJ for the dancing, a prize for the best kite and for the one that flies the highest, as well as various special events for children.
