The countdown to the start of the Triodion and the carnival season has begun, with key dates for Tsiknopempti and Green Monday now set for 2026.
The Triodion, which signals the opening of the pre-Lenten carnival period, begins on Sunday, February 1, 2026, ushering in weeks of festivities ahead of Lent.
Tsiknopempti: the day of grilled meat
Tsiknopempti will be celebrated on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The day traditionally centres on the consumption of grilled meat, with the smell of charcoal (“tsikna”) filling streets, homes and tavernas.
Tsiknopempti falls on the second Thursday of the Triodion and is linked to the gradual move towards fasting, making it the last major meat-focused celebration before dietary restrictions begin.
Tyrini Sunday and the final week of Carnival
The carnival period continues after Tsiknopempti, reaching its final phase with Tyrini (Cheese) Week, during which meat is avoided but dairy products are still consumed.
Tyrini Sunday, also known as Cheesefare Sunday, immediately precedes the start of Lent and marks the last day when dairy is traditionally allowed.
Green Monday and the start of Lent
Green Monday (Kathara Deftera) falls on February 23, 2026, marking the official beginning of Great Lent and offering the first long weekend of the year.
The day is traditionally observed with outdoor activities such as kite flying and the consumption of fasting foods, including legumes, vegetables, seafood without blood, and flatbread (lagana).
Easter follows in April
Lent culminates in Easter Sunday, which in 2026 will be celebrated on April 12, following Holy Week.
Together, these dates form the backbone of the pre-Easter calendar, combining religious observance with long-standing cultural traditions.
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