Tsiknopempti is an annual rite in Greece, which has gained increasing popularity recently in light of Apokries, whose origin is lost through the centuries. It basically is a day of meat eating before lent and fasting begin. The word Tsiknopempti comes from two other words 'tsikna' (the smell of burnt and grilled meat) and 'Pempti' (Thursday in Greek) and is celebrated on the Thursday, which is 11 days before Clean Monday. Traditionally, everyone must cook meat so that the smoke or “tsikna†fills the air and everybody knows it's a feast-day.
On Tsiknopempti the first masqueraders make their appearance and the first carnival parties are held. It is common for many men to dress as woman on this day. (Nice sight eh!)
The festivities continue into the third week with “Tyrini†(Cheese Week), where people can eat dairy products and fish but not meat.
DF: They say all of Athens smells like a barbecue during this day!
posted on Friday, February 9
Dining & Wine