Smoky Thursday, or as the Greeks call it, Tsiknopempti, is the day when Greece turns into a meat eater’s paradise, and the air is rich with the aroma of grilled meat. The word Tsiknopempti comes from the Greek word, tsikna, meaning smoky, and pempti, meaning Thursday.
Tsiknopempti marks its spot on the Greek Orthodox calendar as the herald of Lent. It’s the day when Greece bids a fun, boisterous farewell to eating meat before Lent brings its period of reflection and fasting.
Smoky Thursday’s roots run deep into Greek history, blending ancient rituals with Christian traditions. The traditions stretch back to antiquity, likely originating from the ancient Greek and Roman worship of Dionysus (Bacchus).
Over the centuries, it’s evolved from basic meat-eating festivities into a full-blown barbecue extravaganza, showcasing the Greek flair for blending the sacred with the delicious.
In modern times, the essence of Tsiknopempti remains essentially unchanged. There might be new twists on the traditional, with gourmet options and veggie alternatives sneaking onto the grill here and there, but it’s an occasion that captures the essence of Greek culture: vibrant, warm, and always ready for a celebration.
It’s not just about grilling, eating, drinking and being merry, it’s a communal celebration that brings together families, friends, and even strangers over the universal language of good food. The lavish feasting symbolises the abundance of life.
Smoky Thursday in Athens
Athens bursts into life every year for Tsiknopempti. For three days, Syntagma Square becomes a vibrant hub of activity, hosting an array of concerts, dance performances, and traditional enactments from various regions of the country, infusing the city with a dynamic energy.
From Syntagma Square, a musical parade weaves through Ermou and Aiolou streets, culminating in Monastiraki. The celebration is marked by performances that revive ancient customs, dances from both the islands and the mainland, and concerts that celebrate traditional Greek melodies.
Beyond the central festivities in Syntagma Square, Athens is alive with cultural events, art exhibitions, and engaging activities for children in museums and cultural centres. The atmosphere spreads to every corner of Attica. There are events in parks and squares and masquerades filling the streets, complemented by an abundance of food and wine.
Local tavernas and street vendors compete in an unspoken challenge of who can serve up the most tantalising meat dishes. The menu? Succulent pork, traditional souvlaki, tender lamb chops, traditional sausages and much more. It’s a day when the diet goes out the window, and the feast takes centre stage.
Imagine streets buzzing with energy, homes filled with laughter, and restaurants gearing up for a meat marathon. That’s Tsiknopempti for you.
So, if you find yourself in Athens on Smoky Thursday, 7th March 2024, grab a fork (or just use your hands), dive into the festivities, and let the good times roll! Athens offers some of the most vibrant celebrations. The areas of Psiri, Monastiraki, and Gazi come alive with parties, street food, and live music.
If you’d like to do a walking food tour of Athens while you’re here, then you can book our no. 1 food tour, Traditional Greek Food Tour in Hidden Athens, here.
