Cyprus Gets Covered in BBQ Smoke

If you looked at Cyprus from above on this particular Thursday, you might wonder, why is the island drowning in a cloud of smoke? No, it’s not a wildfire or a strange weather phenomenon. It’s Tsiknopempti, the one day of the year when the entire country turns into one giant open-air barbecue.

Tsiknopempti, or “Smoky Thursday,” is more than just a day of feasting. It’s the official kickoff to the Carnival season, setting the stage for two weeks of celebrations that peak with Limassol’s legendary parades. It’s the moment when Cyprus shifts into full festive mode, grills fire up, streets come alive, and the countdown to the biggest party of the year begins.

From homes to restaurants, and even random sidewalks, grills light up everywhere, filling the air with the unmistakable scent of sizzling souvlaki, sheftalia, and every meat imaginable.

But Tsiknopempti is just the beginning. Over the next two weeks, Cyprus, and especially Limassol, turns into a Carnival hotspot. Thousands of people take to the streets, dressed in costumes ranging from the extravagant to the downright hilarious. There are two massive parades, the Children’s Parade and the Grand Parade, both filled with colorful floats, dancers, and music blasting through the city. Whether you’re watching from the sidelines or dancing in the streets, it’s an explosion of joy, creativity, and a whole lot of fun.

While the Talent Hacks team won’t be firing up the grill this year (work and our upcoming Arizona trip have taken over), that doesn’t mean we’re missing out on the spirit of the day. Tsiknopempti isn’t just about the barbecue, it’s about tradition, community, and the unspoken agreement that for one day, Cyprus becomes the most deliciously smoky place on earth. And with Carnival just around the corner, the celebrations are only getting started.