The eurozone nations have given Greece 30 days to show that they are serious about making big cuts in the their government finances.
They fear the country's massive debts could spread further if the damage is not contained.
But for ordinary Greeks it will mean further pain, in the form of lower wages and higher taxes.
Barnaby Phillips reports from Athens on how people are using a public holiday to forget their worries - however briefly.
February 16 2010