What is Tsiknopempti?
What is Tsiknopempti? The Ultimate Guide to Greece and Cyprus’s Smokey Celebration.
If you love a good barbecue, lively traditions, and an excuse to enjoy great food with family and friends, then you must know about Tsiknopempti. This annual event is one of the most exciting and delicious days in the Greek and Cypriot calendar. It is celebrated with plenty of grilled meat, laughter, and the irresistible smell of Smokey charcoal filling the air.
But what exactly is Tsiknopempti, why is it celebrated, and how can you participate even in the UK?
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this mouth-watering tradition.
What Does Tsiknopempti Mean?
The word Tsiknopempti (Τσικνοπέμπτη) comes from two Greek words:
• Tsikna (Τσίκνα) – which refers to the Smokey aroma of grilled meat.
• Pempti (Πέμπτη) – meaning Thursday.
So, Tsiknopempti literally means “Smokey Thursday” - a day dedicated to barbecuing and feasting on grilled meat, filling the streets, homes, and tavernas with delicious smokey BBQ smells.
When is Tsiknopempti Celebrated?
Tsiknopempti takes place on the second to last Thursday before Greek Orthodox Lent begins. It’s part of the wider Apokries (Carnival) celebrations, which is similar to Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday in the UK.
Because Greek Easter follows a different calendar from Western Easter, the date of Tsiknopempti changes every year. However, in 2025, both the Greek Orthodox and Western Easter calendars align, meaning Tsiknopempti will fall on 20th February 2025. This makes it an even bigger celebration for Greeks and Cypriots around the world and for anyone who loves a good barbecue celebration!
Why is Tsiknopempti Celebrated?
For Greek Orthodox Christians, Lent is a 40-day period of fasting before Easter, during which many people give up meat and dairy. Tsiknopempti is the last big meat feast before Lent begins, giving everyone a chance to indulge before the restrictions start.
Over time, the tradition has evolved beyond its religious roots and is now a fun, social occasion where people gather to eat, drink, and celebrate.
How Do People Celebrate Tsiknopempti?
The essence of Tsiknopempti is simple - barbecue, eat, drink, and enjoy! Here’s what you can expect:
1. Barbecued Meat Everywhere
• Taverns and restaurants serve huge platters of grilled meat, including souvlaki, lamb chops, pork skewers, sausages, and sheftalia.
• In Cyprus, souvla (large skewers of slow-cooked meat over charcoal) is a firm favourite.
• Homes, gardens, and even streets fill with the Smokey scent of charcoal barbecues.
2. Live Music and Dancing
• Many towns and villages host street parties with traditional Greek and Cypriot music.
• Dancing, especially Zeibekiko and Syrtaki, is a big part of the celebration.
3. Carnival Atmosphere
• Since Tsiknopempti is part of Apokries (Carnival season), many places hold costume parties, parades, and masquerade balls.
4. Greek Drinks Flowing Freely
• Traditional drinks like ouzo, zivania, or local wine are enjoyed alongside the smokey meats.
How Can You Celebrate Tsiknopempti in the UK?
Even if you’re not in Greece or Cyprus, you can bring the spirit of Tsiknopempti to your own home or garden. Here’s how:
1. Fire Up the Barbecue 🔥
• Use a charcoal barbecue for that authentic Smokey flavour.
• Cook Cypriot souvla, pork souvlaki, or lamb chops over hot coals.
• Don’t forget halloumi, pita bread, and dips such as houmous and tahini are delicious accompaniments.
2. Invite Friends and Family
• Tsiknopempti is all about sharing food and good company, so gather your loved ones for a big barbecue feast.
3. Play Some Greek Music
• Set the mood with a playlist of traditional Greek and Cypriot music.
4. Enjoy Traditional Greek Drinks
• Pair your grilled meats with a bottle of Keo beer, a glass of ouzo, zivania, or a good Greek red wine.
What’s the Best BBQ for Tsiknopempti?
For an authentic Tsiknopempti experience, you need the right barbecue setup, and you can have this with a Cyprus BBQ Foukou Rotisserie Set.
Traditional Cypriot and Greek grilling focuses on:
• Charcoal grilling - Essential for creating a rich, Smokey flavour.
Tip - the more fat on the meat, the more smoke it will create - perfect for Tsiknopempti.
If you’re looking for the best Cyprus style BBQ grills and accessories, check out our range at Cyprus BBQ!
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Experience Tsiknopempti?
Whether you’re in Cyprus, Greece, or here in the UK, Tsiknopempti is a fantastic excuse to enjoy a proper barbecue. If you love great food, good company, and the unmistakable smell of a charcoal grill, this is a tradition worth embracing.
And with Greek and Western Easter aligning in 2025, this year’s Tsiknopempti is set to be even bigger, so why not make it the perfect excuse for a barbecue feast to remember?
So, mark your calendar, fire up the barbecue, and get ready for a feast!
Kali Tsiknopempti! (Καλή Τσικνοπέμπτη!)
Want to Host Your Own Tsiknopempti BBQ?
Check out our Cyprus BBQ Foukou sets and BBQ rotisserie accessories and bring the authentic flavours of Greece and Cyprus to your home!
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