Newsroom
Smoke signals are rising across Cyprus, and no, it’s not a national emergency. It’s Tsiknopempti.
For the uninitiated (or the brave vegetarians among us), Tsiknopempti...literally “Smoky Thursday”...is the unofficial warm-up to Carnival and the official excuse to grill everything that once mooed, oinked or clucked. It lands on the Thursday of the second week of Carnival season, just before Lent begins. The idea? Eat meat. Lots of it. Preferably outdoors. Preferably with music. Definitely with wine. In Limassol, this is less of a tradition and more of a competitive sport.
This year is no exception. From noon onwards, the island will smell like a giant barbecue pit, with DJs battling the sound of sizzling souvlakia and zivania flowing like it’s hydration.
Here are 10+1 parties worth bookmarking before you start following the smoke:
The Freehouse Spritzeria, Limassol
An all-day tsiknomeze affair with carnival vibes, food rolling out nonstop, and DJs keeping things loud.
Silver Star, Nicosia
A more refined approach—Robata Grill delicacies paired with select Cypriot wines. Smoke made classy.
Beeroom Craft Beer Pub, Paphos
Tsiknoparty kicks off at noon with DJ Konn and DJ Gre. Expect hops, smoke and zero productivity.
View this post on Instagram
Alley, Limassol
“Rio DeJAlleyro” brings street-party energy from midday, with DJ Manos Scoulos leading the charge.
View this post on Instagram
Natives, Limassol
Carnival BBQ vibes with DJ Varvaresos, beers, zivania and the kind of dancing that usually requires plausible deniability the next day.
Bar Du Soleil, Limassol
Smoke in the air, drink in hand—exactly what the day ordered.
Lithos, Limassol
Doubling down with two parties—one at noon and one in the evening—plus a special Cyprus meat platter for the occasion.
Amyth, Nicosia
A sharing-style menu for lunch and dinner, with DJ Marios Chrysanthou providing the soundtrack.
View this post on Instagram
Frankie’s Social, Limassol
Resident DJ Leonidas Vranakis headlines a full-blown Tsikno-Party.
Lumo Coffee, Paphos
From 3 p.m., it’s barbecue, beers, and DJ beats—caffeine optional.
Gazebo Mare, Limassol
Foukoudes fired up and strong wines ready. Minimal explanation needed.
Maze Venue, Limassol
“Greek Hangovers” puts on its Carnival mask and lands in Limassol with Alex Soleas on the decks.
Limassol may unofficially claim Tsiknopempti as a civic duty, but the smoke is spreading islandwide. By nightfall, most office productivity will have mysteriously vanished, grills will be working overtime, and someone, somewhere, will insist they’re “just going out for one.”
It is, after all, tradition.
