Fodor's Expert Review Kathara Deftera

If you happen to be in Galaxidi at the start of Greek Orthodox Lent, Kathara Deftera, duck. Locals observe the holiday with flour fights in the town's streets, a custom dating back to the 18th century. The common baking flour is tinted with food dye and by the end of the day everyone and everything in sight—buildings, cars, shrubs—is dusted with a rainbow of colors that match spring's bright palette. The custom has pagan roots: every year the dead were thought to be allowed to leave Hades for a day and return to Earth; if they had a good time, a good crop was assured. Remember to wear your old, unwanted T-shirt and jeans for the day—nobody will ask for your permission before they throw!