As February rolls in, anticipation builds for Tsiknopempti, a beloved Greek tradition known for its indulgent meat feasts and lively festivities.
This year, Tsiknopempti will be celebrated on February 20, 2025. The day serves as a prelude to Great Lent, and it’s a time when families and friends come together to enjoy traditional dishes marked by the unmistakable aroma of grilled meats.
The name Tsiknopempti combines “tsikna,” referring to the smoky scent of roasted meats, with “Pempti,” meaning Thursday, as it always falls on the second Thursday of the Triodion period. This period is a prelude to Lent, allowing for indulgence before the fasting season.
As part of the broader Carnival season, Tsiknopempti is followed by Carnival Sunday on March 2, 2025, when the streets will come alive with parades, costumes, and a blend of satire and tradition. This festive period is a highlight for many, offering a chance to break away from the everyday routine and embrace joy and entertainment.
The day after Carnival Sunday is Clean Monday, which lands on March 3, 2025, marking the official start of Great Lent. Clean Monday is a public holiday in Greece, celebrated with a focus on fasting foods like lagana, halva, and seafood, and includes the popular tradition of kite flying.
Easter, the pinnacle of Orthodox celebrations, arrives later in spring on April 20, 2025. Holy Week heralds this significant event, offering a series of profound services and ceremonies. Good Friday, a day for solemn reflection, will be observed on April 18, while Easter Monday, a continuation of the Easter celebrations, follows on April 21, 2025.
Looking ahead to the year, 2025 also features several long weekends. Clean Monday offers a brief escape as part of the second long weekend of the year. Later, the Day of the Holy Spirit and the Assumption, though not universally observed, present additional opportunities for extended breaks. Moreover, Christmas this year arrives on a Thursday, creating a long holiday weekend when paired with the public holiday on December 26.
For those planning ahead, keeping an eye on the calendar will ensure that these moments for rest and celebration are not missed. Stay informed with the latest updates and news from Greece and around the world at greekcitytimes.gr