Tsiknopempti, celebrated exactly 11 days before Clean Monday, marks one of the most beloved days of Cyprus' carnival calendar. Falling during the second week of the Triodion, the “Meat Week”, it signals the beginning of the great Carnival revelry. Limassol’s long Carnival tradition makes Tsiknopempti one of the most important celebrations of the year.
According to this Christian Orthodox tradition, across Greece and Cyprus, the air fills with the unmistakable scent of grilled meat, known as tsikna, as families, friends and entire neighbourhoods gather around barbecues. For many, it is the ultimate feast day before the forty‑day Lent leading to Easter.
All about "Tsikna"
The day offers the final opportunity for hearty meat consumption before the fasting period leading up to Easter.
The tradition of “Tsikna” derives from the smoky aroma of roasting meat. Homes, tavernas and streets come alive with sizzling grills, creating a festive atmosphere that is impossible to ignore.
Tsiknopempti is the most flavourful moment of the Carnival season, filled with music, laughter and communal joy.
The custom is linked to ancient Dionysian festivities, celebrating abundance, the coming of spring and the earth’s renewal.
Why Thursday
In Orthodox tradition, Wednesday and Friday are fasting days, making Thursday the ideal day for a grand pre‑Lenten feast. So Tsiknopempti means smoky Thursday.
Limassol leading the festivities
In Cyprus, Tsiknopempti is embraced with exceptional enthusiasm, and Limassol stands out as the heart of the celebration. The city treats the day almost like a public holiday:
- Grills are set up outside homes, shops and along the streets
- The aroma of charcoal fills entire neighbourhoods
- Carnival events and parades add colour and excitement
- Locals and visitors alike join in the feasting and dancing
Limassol municipality - The official programme
7:30 a.m.
The festivities begin early with the traditional “First Foukou”, which will take place at the offices of Lemesos Media Group, 67 Omonoias Street, marking the start of the day in a celebratory and traditional atmosphere.
10:00 a.m.
Carnival revelry with music and treats in front of Eurobank (Gladstonos Street) and the Bank of Cyprus (Agiou Andreou Street, opposite Ayia Napa Church).
1:30 p.m.
The group Kantadoroi Lemesou will be singing at Saripolou Square for everyone to enjoy.
Grigoris Afxentiou Square
5:30 p.m.
Grigoris Afxentiou Square (District Administration Building) comes alive, drawing us into the rhythms of the Carnival with music and song by the band Lopodytes, in an Old School Project. Performers:
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Christos Katsounotos – vocals / electric guitar
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Andreas Kerberos – electric bass
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Nikolas Petrou – vocals / piano
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Marinos Charalambides – drums
6:30 p.m.
With Passion and Madness, the future Queen dresses at the Municipal Hall.
7:00 p.m.
The Mayor and Municipal Council, the Royal Family, the Limassol Municipal Philharmonic, the Majorettes of the Cyprus Girl Guides Association, and the Limassol Majorettes will begin a procession from the Municipal Hall towards Grigoris Afxentiou Square.
The procession will follow Archiepiskopou Kyprianou Street, Agiou Andreou Street, and Anexartisias Street.
Along the way, the procession will meet the Ariones Cantadoroi group and the float of the Queen of Passion and Madness of the Limassol Carnival. At Grigoris Afxentiou Square, they will be welcomed by the Batukinio percussion group, followed by the coronation ceremony.
7:30 p.m.
Coronation of the Queen of Passion and Madness of the Limassol Carnival.
A carnival party follows, with singing and dancing under the theme “Back to the 80s and 90s”. Performers:
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Tevkros Neocleous – vocals, acoustic guitar
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Marilena Charalambidou – vocals
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Antonis Pafios – saxophone
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Andreas Epameinondas – electric guitar
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Mike Michael – keyboards
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Marios Georgitsis – bass
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Stefanos Meletiou – drums
The fun continues with DJ LeSkouf in a carnival‑themed set.
A spectacular projection mapping show will illuminate the Limassol District Administration Building, transforming its architecture into a dynamic audiovisual display.
So the municipality's message is this:
This is Limassol! Come along, all in costume!