Barbeque Thursday – Tsiknopempti

Carnival is almost upon us and here in Pafos we join the rest of the island in celebrating the commencement with what we call Tsiknopempti which translated means the ‘Thursday of the smoke from grilled meat’. As a nation of committed meat eaters this is a tradition which is loved by all, especially those men who relish their superior barbequing abilities, for on this Thursday before our Carnival celebrations begin, towns and villages will see the firing up of mini cooking stations, set up outside shops, on the streets, outside factories, in backyards, fields and on patios, in fact everywhere you turn there is the heady aroma of herbs and grilled meats. So do not be surprised if you find yourself walking past a temporary pavement barbeque and there is an invitation made to join in this mini feast, not forgetting of course the small glass of Zivania or local wine which will always accompany these tasty titbits, enjoy, for this is the start of Carnival fun and feasting and the leading up to Lent and our glorious Easter celebrations.