Tsiknopempti Smokey Thursday

What is Tsiknopempti?

Tsiknopempti when translated literally means Smokey Thursday.

It is a very important day for Greeks and Cypriots around the world. On this day they gather family and friends together and BBQ all kinds of delicious meat just before the arrival of Lent. 

The streets are filled with the delicious smell of BBQ and Smoke as families create a feast to use up all of their meat before the beginning of Lent. 

When is Tsiknopempti?

Tsiknopempti is usually just over a week before Clean Monday, the day that marks the start of lent in the Greek Orthodox calendar. This is when followers of the Orthodox Religion fast for up to 40 days, this can include not eating meat, fish or dairy foods during this period.

This year Tsiknopempti falls on the 7th March 2024

What should you cook on Smokey Thursday?

Many Cypriots do not eat meat for the whole of lent so Tsiknopempti is the last opportunity to really enjoy some their favourite barbecue treats cooked over charcoal on a Foukou Cyprus Rotisserie BBQ.

There of course will be whole Lamb, Greek sausages such as Loukaniko or Pastourma, Lamb chops or cutlets and may other fantastic Cypriot meat based dishes but our favourites are 

Souvla - large pieces of pork, chicken or lamb cooked over coals on the large souvla skewers

Souvlaki - small pieces of pork, chicken or lamb cooked over coals on the smaller souvlaki skewers

Sheftalia - delicious Cypriot style sausages

All served with a Greek salad and of course plenty of lemon.

The meat is cooked slowly and perfectly over hot coals on a rotating spit. The Cyprus barbecue slowly rotates the Souvla skewers allowing the meat to cook slowly and evenly resulting in that delicious Cyprus BBQ flavour.

For the best results, you must have one of our fantastic Cyprus BBQ Sets.

Have you got everything you need for Tsiknopempti? Check out our BBQ Sets and accessories.