Athens Tsiknopempti 2026: Municipality's Big Carnival Feast Starts Today

The Municipality of Athens is honoring the tradition of Tsiknopempti (Smoky Thursday) today, Thursday, February 12, 2026, with a major open-air celebration in the city center, filled with music, dance, traditional performances, and free grilled meat.

The festivities kick off at 11:00 AM in Syntagma Square, where the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens sets the musical tone. This is followed by the customary Carnival procession led by the Cultural Society of Orchestral Art “Bacchae” (or “Bakkhai”/“Vákchai”), which winds through central streets (such as Ermou and Aiolou) and ends at Kotzia Square. There, participants will reenact the traditional Kordelata (or Kordelatoi) custom from Naxos.

At 11:30 AM, adult traditional dance groups from the Municipality's Creative Learning Centers in areas including Evelpidon, Kypseli, Alexandras Avenue, Neos Kosmos, and Sepolia will perform, enhancing the festive and folkloric spirit of the day.

The highlight begins around 12:00 PM at Varvakeios Market (Varvakeios Square), where grills will fire up for free traditional tsiknisma (grilled meat feast—approximately 800 kg of meat distributed, based on municipal announcements). The event features live music, dancing, and a folk concert by the Greek Music Workshop (or Laboratory of Greek Music) starting at 12:30 PM, with performers including singers such as Dora Louizou and Manolis Skoulas in some reports.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas is expected to attend and has stated: “Tsiknopempti in the Municipality of Athens is a great celebration of joy and gathering. We invite you to walk through the city guided by customs, music, and the spirit of Apokries (Carnival).”

Everyone—Athenians and visitors alike—is welcome to join this authentic Carnival experience, turning the heart of the city into a vibrant street party full of sights, sounds, and the irresistible aroma of grilled meat!

(Archive photo: APE-MPE / Municipality of Athens)