Tsiknopempti - Fat or Burnt Thursday

Tsiknopempti (Burnt Thursday)  is the Greek equivalent of Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras). It is  celebrated eleven days before the start of Lent. The "Burnt" part refers to the grilling of meats (barbrcue), a big part of the celebration of this day.

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The weekend following "Burnt Thursday" will also have parties and other events such as  the Carnival. Technically, that Sunday is the last allowable day for eating meat and is sometimes called "Meat-eating Sunday" .  In Cyprus it's called "sikoses" from the greek verb "sikono" literally meaning "to rise" , but , as a metaphor it means to be up and dance and be merry and eat to your heart's content ! Right now, all the Greek restaurants and tavernas are literally packed and the Greeks party, eating grilled meats, drinking wine, ouzo or retsina and dancing. Many Greeks also paint their faces black ...to match them with the spirit of tsiknopempti (Burnt Thursday).whereas others prefer to make their own barbecue at home and invite their friends and family.

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Such a pity Tsiknopempti always falls on a school night! I'll sign off wishing you "Kales Sikoses" - a traditional wish we exchange in Cyprus on Tsiknopempti.

Comments

[Stefania]

We had a great time last night. My husband and brother-in-law prepared the barbecue and grilled on charcoal all sorts of meats and sausages but also some halloumi and jacket potatoes. Such a pity you were unable to join us. As always on Tsiknopempti, we had too much to eat!!! :-) Kales Sikoses, Anastasia mou.

[Jeff]

On July 4th, the United States of America celebrates Independence Day. Picnics and barbecues have become 4th July traditions for two main reasons - the first being that summer is a lovely time to spend outdoors and the second being that picnics and barbecues are the easiest way to entertain a large number of people. Thanks for sharing your customs and traditions. Great read!

[Laura]

Thank you so much for sharing your traditions, Anastasia. Traditions handed down from generation to generation bind people to their past and connect them to their future.

[Christina]

I went out with some good old friends. The taverna was packed but the food and the music were super. We had too much to eat and too much to drink, but we also danced a lot till the early morning hours so we burned most of the calories!

[Lisa A]

In Italy, we are also celebrate Giovendi Grasso which following Martendi Grasso and which it mark the beginning of carnival.Fat Thursday here was at February 7. We were 15 to celebrate at my home and I cooked my ...famous gnocco fritto with mortadella and Tuscan salami to start and then 3 different kinds of pasta, beef fillet with penne tricolore, and lots of pancakes with different fillings and panna cota finally Italian cheeses. In Venice but also in other Italian cities the day starting with games like Forze D'Ercole which it is a game for good balance because people must to form a pyramid. After the games there is a big Italian fat dinner and then many fireworks.

[Anastasia]

Thank you so much for the invitation. Sorry I couldn't join you but I finished work late on Thursday and had to be at the office early on Friday morning. Kales Sikoses!

[Anastasia]

Thank you, Jeff. I'm sure your July 4th 2013 barbecue will be a memorable one! In Cyprus, people organise beach barbecues and beach parties in the summer but in the evening, as it's too hot and often humid during the day.

[Anastasia]

So very true , Laura. I believe that by preserving our cultural heritage, we explain our cultural, political, social and educational values to generations yet unborn.

[Anastasia]

Glad to hear you had such a great time!

[Anastasia]

Thank you so much for sharing your traditions of the Italian Fat Thursday. Your Fat Thursday dinner sounds delicious!

[Constantinos T]

In Crete where I grew up, Tsiknopempti is a great tribute to Greek tradition as it announces in a way the end of carnival and the beginning of Lent. In the Cretan dialect, tsikna is the smell of burning meat. The Cretans charcoal grill meat and burn fat over it while singing and dancing traditional folklore. I don't think I'll ever forget the Tsiknopempti I spent with my parents and grandparents in Crete.