Across Cyprus, the scent of grilled meat fills the air today as families, friends and entire communities come together to celebrate Tsiknopempti, a beloved holiday of traditions that kicks off the Carnival season and leads into Orthodox Lent.
Literally translated as “Smoky Thursday,” Tsiknopempti is all about meat- grilled, roasted, skewered and sizzling over a charcoal fire. It marks the last big opportunity for indulgence before the traditional fasting period begins, and is tied to the countdown toward Easter, one of the most important holidays in the Greek Orthodox calendar.
Tsiknopempti traditions are deeply rooted in community and celebration. Town squares host open-air souvla events, with music, dancing and smoke rising in a haze of shared joy. Municipalities, schools, businesses and organisations host outdoor barbecues and carnival-themed activities. In homes and back gardens, families fire up the grill, neighbours drop by with wine or salad, and children run around in early carnival costumes, giggling between mouthfuls of sheftalia and sausages.
Origins of the Day
The origins of Tsiknopempti date back to ancient times, and are linked to the Bacchic festivals of the ancient Greeks and Romans, where feasting and celebration were considered rituals for ensuring the fertility of the land. With the spread of Christianity, the custom was adapted to the Orthodox calendar and incorporated into the Carnival period as preparation for the fasting season.
In Cyprus, the tradition of Tsiknopempti as the starting point of Carnival celebrations can be traced at least to the medieval era, during the Frankish (1191–1489) and Venetian (1489–1571) periods, when Western influences were integrated into local customs.
Over the centuries, Tsiknopempti in Cyprus evolved into a popular celebration bringing together families and communities for music, dancing and outdoor grilling. The tradition is especially strong in Limassol, where the day informally marks the beginning of the annual Limassol Carnival.
Beyond the Calendar
It’s a day that speaks to something older than the calendar, though: a celebration of togetherness, of ritual, of being part of something bigger. Even those who don’t fast still honour the tradition, because it’s not just about religion. It’s about identity. About knowing that, for one day, the entire island is laughing and eating together under the same smoky sky.
From village feasts to city street parties, Tsiknopempti remains one of Cyprus’s most cherished cultural rituals. A celebration of flavour, fire, and fellowship.
Also read: Weather for Tsiknopempti: Dust, rain and strong winds
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