As Tsiknopempti approaches in 2024, it’s time to highlight not only this beloved Greek tradition but also to anticipate the array of holidays that will color the calendar throughout the year.

Tsiknopempti, a day synonymous with grilled meat aromas filling the air, is a cherished celebration.

It is also known as “Smoky Thursday,”  and it is a Greek celebration that takes place during the Carnival season, marking the beginning of the festivities leading up to Lent and Easter. It falls on the Thursday of the second week of Carnival, and its name comes from the Greek words “tsikna” (the smell of grilled or smoked meat) and “Pempti” (Thursday).

Falls on 7 March in 2024, a few days before “Clean Monday“, which this year falls on 18 March.

Clean Monday, known as “Kathara Deftera” in Greek, is a significant day in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition that marks the beginning of Lent.

It is celebrated on the first day of the Great Lent, which is a period of 40 days leading up to Easter. Clean Monday usually falls seven weeks before Easter Sunday and is considered a movable feast.

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In addition, “Triodion“,pre-Lenten season, this year opens on Sunday 25 February.

All public holidays in 2024:

Smoky Thursday: 7 March 2024

Clean Monday: 18 March 2024

Monday 25 March 2024 (Greece celebrates the Annunciation of the Theotokos and Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, which officially began on March 25, 1821)

Easter Monday: Wednesday 1 May

Good Friday: 3 May 2024

Holy Spirit Day: Monday 24 June 2024 (Also known as Pentecost, is a Christian festival celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ. According to Christian tradition, this event occurred 50 days after Easter.

Thursday 15 August 2024 (August 15th is a religious holiday known as the Dormition of the Mother of God or “Koimisis tis Theotokou” in Greek. This day commemorates the Assumption or Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, into heaven)

28th October: Monday 28 October 2024 (Greece celebrates “Ochi Day,” also known as the “Anniversary of the No” or “Oxi Day” in Greek. This national holiday commemorates the rejection of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on October 28, 1940, during World War II)

Christmas: Wednesday 25 December 2024

Revival of the Virgin Mary: Thursday 26 December 2024