In Greece we have a special celebration day called “Tsiknopempti” from the words “tsikna” which is the smell and the fume grilled meat and from the word “pempti” which is the Greek name of Thursday.

This custom is always taking part in one of the last Thursdays of February. The reason of this celebration is to grill meats and then to enjoy them with our beloved ones, as we prepare ourselves for the big 40y day fasting, before Easter.

Tsiknopempti is one of the 3 last days when meat can be consumed by an Orthodox before the great 40y day fasting period.🍖🍗🥓🥩

The celebration starts late in the morning and lasts till the late night. The atmosphere is very friendly and happy, the house smells wonderfully from the meats and the other traditional food beside them, such as Greek salad and tzatziki.

Greeks celebrate by listening to music loud in balconies or to the streets and consuming large quantities of grilled meat, such as souvlaki and village sausages.

Furthermore, many local towns set up grills in central squares with traditional Greek music and carnival festivities. As Greeks, love to have fun and dance with our family and friends, when we have in our table delicious traditional dishes!

Similar celebrations known as “Fat Thursday”, because of the sweet plates of the menu, are held in many other countries, such as Poland, Spain and Sweden.

Enjoy!😁✨🎉

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