Newsroom
Good morning, Cyprus, and a very happy Tsiknopempti to you and your cholesterol levels! If you stepped outside this morning and thought the air smelled like a delicious, charcoal-grilled heaven, you aren't imagining things. Today is the legendary Smoky Thursday. While "Fat Thursday" is a fair translation, it doesn't quite capture the tsikna, that specific, irresistible aroma of rendered fat hitting hot coals that currently blankets the island from Paphos to Paralimni. In Cyprus, we don't just "celebrate" Tsiknopempti; we transform the entire island into one giant, outdoor rotisserie. Every psistaria is working overtime, and even the most humble office balcony likely has a foukou (grill) spinning some serious souvla right now.
But there’s a catch: Mother Nature has decided to add her own "smoke" to the mix. A weak low-pressure system is drifting in, and it’s bringing suspended dust with it today and tomorrow. So, if your souvlaki tastes a bit "earthy" today, it might just be the Sahara hitching a ride on your lunch.
Today’s forecast: Expect a mainly cloudy day with local rain and the chance of a thunderstorm. The wind is the real headline-maker. It’s blowing southwesterly and picking up steam. By the afternoon, it will reach 5 Beaufort generally, but the south coast could see temporary very strong gusts of 6 Beaufort.
Temperatures are staying mild at 20°C for the lowlands, though the mountains are a brisk 8°C, perfect weather for standing next to a hot grill, really.
Tonight: The party moves indoors as the sky stays partly cloudy with isolated showers, mainly in the west and the mountains. Winds will stay moderate to strong, so make sure your outdoor grill covers are tied down tight!
Looking ahead: The Meatfare countdown
After today’s smokestack, the meat-heavy festivities continue toward Meatfare Sunday (February 15th).
Known as Apokreas, this is essentially the "Farewell to Meat" (which is what Carne-val literally means). It’s the last day for the faithful to indulge in animal proteins before the dietary restrictions of Lent kick in. After Sunday, we move into Tyrini (Cheese Week), where we pivot from pork chops to halloumi and ravioles, before finally hitting the "rabbit food" (as you so aptly put it) on Green Monday.
Friday: Mainly cloudy with local rain and thunderstorms. The dust sticks around, so the rain might be a bit "muddy."
Saturday: Partly cloudy with some isolated showers.
Sunday (Meatfare): The weather finally cooperates! It’s looking mainly clear and slightly warmer, the perfect conditions for one final, epic Sunday souvla before the long fast begins.
