Tsiknopempti Day in Greece

Today is Tsiknopempti Day in Greece. So the BBQ is lit in the Nisos boat yard for the refit team to enjoy!

This is the special day of the year where a large amount of grilled meat is traditionally consumed by Greek people around the world, just before the arrival of Lent, marking the lead up to Easter and also the official start of Apokries (carnival season).

The event is always celebrated on Thursday (Pemti) and consists of the word “tsikna” meaning the burning of food. People who fast for 40 days without meat during Easter lent use Tsiknopemtpi as a day to eat as much meat as they want, right before fasting begins.

It’s all about cuts of pork, lamb, beef, goat or any other meat of your choice and with a huge emphasis on grilling and charcoal. Virtually every taverna and restaurant in Greece will put on special menus for Tsiknopempti.