Every year in Cyprus, 11 days before Clean Monday, one of the most flavorful and beloved celebrations takes place—Tsiknopempti, also known as Smoky Thursday. In 2025, it will fall on February 20, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of grilled meat, laughter, and the anticipation of the upcoming carnival.
The name Tsiknopempti comes from two Greek words: τσίκνα (tsikna), meaning “the smell of grilled meat,” and πέμπτη (pempti), meaning “Thursday.” This day marks the last major feast of meat before the beginning of Great Lent, so Cypriots take full advantage of it by indulging in a grand barbecue feast.
However, Tsiknopempti is more than just a food festival—it is also the official kick-off of the carnival season. On this day, Cypriots start preparing for the grand carnival parades, dress up in costumes, and celebrate from morning till night.
Contents
- 1 How is Smoky Thursday Celebrated in Cyprus?
- 2 Grilled Meat and Feasting
- 3 Music, Dancing, and Costumes
- 4 The Grand Festivities in Limassol
- 5 Fully Booked Restaurants & Taverns
- 6 Workplace and Community Barbecues
- 7 How is Tsiknopempti Connected to the Carnival?
- 8 Modern Trends: A Vegan Tsiknopempti?
- 9 Why You Should Visit Cyprus for Tsiknopempti
- 10 Final Thoughts
How is Smoky Thursday Celebrated in Cyprus?
Celebrating Tsiknopempti is an all-out feast that transforms the streets into an open-air barbecue party. Families, friends, and even workplaces come together to enjoy grilled delicacies, music, and laughter.
Grilled Meat and Feasting
The main tradition of the day is preparing and enjoying grilled meat. Throughout the streets, backyards, restaurants, and tavernas, people fire up barbecues to cook souvlaki (meat skewers), large cuts of pork or beef, traditional Cypriot loukanika sausages, and the famous souvla, large chunks of meat slow-cooked on a rotating spit.
Music, Dancing, and Costumes
Alongside the feasting, music and dancing take over the streets. Many cities organize live concerts and folk performances, while others host small pre-carnival processions, setting the stage for the grand festivities ahead.
The Grand Festivities in Limassol
Limassol, known for hosting Cyprus’ biggest carnival, celebrates Tsiknopempti in spectacular fashion. The day is filled with street parties, live entertainment, and costumed celebrations, making it one of the most exciting times to visit the city.
Fully Booked Restaurants & Taverns
Trying to find a table in a Cypriot taverna on Tsiknopempti is nearly impossible without a reservation! Restaurants offer special menus, featuring unlimited grilled meats and festive drinks, as locals and tourists come together to enjoy the occasion.
Workplace and Community Barbecues
Even corporate offices get in on the fun. Many companies organize lunchtime barbecues for employees, while in the evening, teams head to tavernas for social gatherings filled with food, laughter, and traditional Cypriot hospitality.
How is Tsiknopempti Connected to the Carnival?
While Tsiknopempti is centered around food, it is also the official start of the carnival season. It is common to see people dressed in costumes throughout the day, especially in Limassol, where pre-carnival celebrations begin.
Following Tsiknopempti, the festivities intensify, leading up to a week of grand events, themed parties, masquerade balls, and parades. In 2025, the main carnival parade in Limassol will take place on March 2, attracting thousands of spectators.
Modern Trends: A Vegan Tsiknopempti?
Although this festival traditionally revolves around meat, in recent years, alternative ways of celebrating have emerged. Some animal rights and vegan organizations promote a “Meat-Free Tsiknopempti”, offering plant-based alternatives such as grilled vegetables, vegan skewers, hummus, and falafel.
While these initiatives are gaining some popularity among younger generations, traditional Tsiknopempti still remains a celebration of grilled meats and Cypriot barbecue culture.
Why You Should Visit Cyprus for Tsiknopempti
If you are planning a trip to Cyprus in February, Tsiknopempti is the perfect time to experience authentic Cypriot traditions. Here’s why:
- The lively carnival atmosphere
- An endless selection of delicious Cypriot dishes (souvla, souvlaki, loukanika, halloumi on the grill)
- Music, dancing, and colorful costumes
- A chance to participate in one of the biggest cultural celebrations on the island
- The start of one of Europe’s most vibrant carnivals in Limassol
Final Thoughts
Tsiknopempti is more than just a meat feast—it is a celebration of community, culture, and carnival spirit. It brings people together around barbecue grills, live music, and joyful festivities, creating an atmosphere of unity and excitement before the Lenten season begins.
In 2025, Tsiknopempti will take place on February 20, and if you want to immerse yourself in Cypriot traditions, enjoy amazing food, and experience the joy of the carnival season, Cyprus is the place to be!
