Weather permitting, thousands of people are expected to keep the custom of having their Green Monday picnic lunch and spending the day with their families in open areas.

Today's lunch, mostly made of greens, olives, potatoes and seafood, marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting in the run up to Easter.

Popular destinations for families today include Cape Greco, Ayia Thekla Beach and Protaras - however, Green Monday started with a storm, which brought heavy rains to the region.

Police are taking special measures to prevent accidents, with the traffic division out in force to oversee the flow of vehicles as thousands of motorists return home late in the afternoon.

The busiest stretch of road is expected to be the Larnaca – Nicosia highway, which will see heavy traffic from mid afternoon until late this evening.

Extra patrols will remain on duty to deal accidents or other problems throughout the day and into tonight.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation department has advised those taking a holiday today not to fly their kites near the airport areas of Larnaca and Paphos .

"Kite flying in the area of the runways of Larnaca Airport and Paphos may endanger flights and cause concern to flight crews," a statement read.

Source: Famagusta Gazette