Month: February 2017

CNN Greece

Σε ρυθμούς καρναβαλιού κινούνται πλέον μικροί και μεγάλοι και την Κυριακή (19/02), διάφορες εκδηλώσεις λαμβάνουν χώρα σε κεντρικές πλατείες και πολιτιστικά κέντρα της Αθήνας.

Αναλυτικά όλες οι εκδηλώσεις:

Πλατεία Συντάγματος

11:00-15:30 Αποκριάτικη γιορτή για τα παιδιά. Έναρξη με τη Φιλαρμονική Ορχήστρα του Δήμου Αθηναίων. Εικαστικά δρώμενα εμπνευσμένα από την ελληνική παράδοση και τα έθιμα της Αποκριάς με μεικτές τεχνικές από το Καλλιτεχνικό Εργαστήριο “Τα Μανταλάκια”.

Εμψυχωτές, ξυλοπόδαρους, εργαστήρια face painting, dj set, μπαλονοκατασκευές, bubble & magic show, ζογκλέρ & θέατρο δρόμου σε μια τρίωρη αποκριάτικη γιορτή από την ομάδα «Teatro-Theama»

14.00 «Αthens Big Band goes latin» Αποκριάτικη συναυλία της Big Band του Δήμου Αθηναίων

Κρουστά : Κiki Bu

Καλλιτεχνική επιμέλεια: Σάμι Αμίρης
Βρεφική – Νηπιακή Βιβλιοθήκη Δήμου Αθηναίων (Λάμψα &Τριφυλίας, Αμπελόκηποι)

11.30 -13.30 «Βιβλία με καπέλα»

Ελάτε να διαβάσουμε παρέα ιστορίες με καπέλα και να κατασκευάσουμε τα δικά μας καπέλα με τα πιο απίθανα υλικά!

Για παιδιά ηλικίας 3-8 ετών

Οργάνωση: Σύλλογος «Διαβάζοντας Μεγαλώνω»
Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο «Μελίνα» Αίθουσα «Οδοιπορικό στην παλιά Αθήνα» (Ηρακλειδών 66 & Θεσσαλονίκης, Θησείο)

11.00 «Απόκριες στην παλιά Αθήνα» Τραγούδια, χοροί της παλιάς Αθήνας, ζωντανή μουσική και θεατρικά δρώμενα με γαϊτανάκι.

Συνδιοργάνωση με τον Όμιλο Φίλων του Ελληνικού Χορού –Λαογραφικό Εργαστήρι

«ΤΟ ΧΟΡΟΣΤΑΣΙ»

Μουσείο Λαϊκής Τέχνης & Παράδοσης «Αγγελική Χατζημιχάλη» (Αγγ. Χατζημιχάλη 6, Πλάκα)

11.00 Αποκριάτικο εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα για παιδιά «Η μάσκα της μπούλας και του γενίτσαρου»

Οι μικροί μας φίλοι θα έχουν της ευκαιρία να ακούσουν χρήσιμες πληροφορίες για τα έθιμα που τηρεί ο λαός μας την περίοδο της Αποκριάς, να περιηγηθούν στην έκθεση και να κατασκευάσουν τις δικές τους μάσκες.

Μουσείο «Δωδεκανησιακό Σπίτι» (Δωδώνης 119, Σεπόλια)

11.00 Εργαστήριο κατασκευής αποκριάτικης μάσκας και ξενάγηση στο Μουσείο

Για παιδιά ηλικίας 6 έως 12 ετών

Κεντρική Βιβλιοθήκη Δήμου Αθηναίων (Δομοκού 2, Σταθμός Λαρίσης)

11.00 « Χορεύοντας με το γαϊτανάκι»

Προσκαλούμε τους μικρούς μας φίλους σε ένα τρελό αποκριάτικο ξεφάντωμα στη βιβλιοθήκη μας

Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο Βαφειοχωρίου (Βαφειοχωρίου & Καρολίδου 2)

19:00 Χορεύουμε… γλεντάμε και γελάμε!!!

Αποκριάτικη γιορτή για ενήλικες με τη συμμετοχή της ομάδας παραδοσιακών χορών ενηλίκων του Π. Κέντρου Βαφειοχωρίου και των ομάδων ενηλίκων και εφήβων του Π. Κέντρου Κυψέλης.

Σταθμός Μετρό Ακρόπολη

19:00 Αποκριάτικο σεργιάνι στο ιστορικό κέντρο της πόλης με καντάδες από τη Χορωδία της Ένωσης Ζακυνθίων Αθήνας «Ο Άγιος Διονύσιος»

Διαδρομή: Μετρό Ακρόπολη, Σέλλεϋ, Βύρωνος, πλατεία Αγ. Αικατερίνης, πλατεία Φιλομούσου Εταιρείας, Κυδαθηναίων, Αδριανουπόλεως, Τριπόδων,Φλέσσα, Λυσίου, Μάρκου Αυρηλίου, Αδριανού, πλατεία Μοναστηρακίου.

Πλατεία Μοναστηρακίου

12:00 Παρέλαση καρναβαλιστών που αναβιώνουν έθιμα της Αποκριάς με μουσικά δρώμενα, χορό, αστεϊσμούς και μικροπαραστάσεις. Συμμετέχουν ομάδες από όλη την Ελλάδα. Σταθμοί διαδρομής: Κυδαθηναίων, Αδριανού, Σύνταγμα, Καπνικαρέα, Αγία Ειρήνη, Θησείο, Αιόλου.

Συνδιοργάνωση με το τμήμα Αθηνών Διεθνούς Συμβουλίου Χορού, Athens Section CID-UNESCO.

Πληροφορίες στο http://www.athenssection-cid.gr

Πεζόδρομος Γ. Ολυμπίου, Κουκάκι

16.00 Ανακατώματα το Τσικνοσάββατο

Μεγάλο αποκριάτικο πάρτι με κλόουν, ζογκλέρ, ξυλοπόδαρους, παραδοσιακό γαϊτανάκι, dj set.To μουσικό μέρος της εκδήλωσης ανοίγει η Φιλαρμονική Ορχήστρα του Δήμου Αθηναίων.

Συμμετέχουν οι: Λευτέρης Γρηγορίου και τα Global Daoulia, Quilombo & Batala Atenas.

Αέρηδες Πλάκα

15:00 «Μια βόλτα με τραγούδια»

Χορωδίες ενηλίκων των Π.Κ. Κάτω Πατησίων, Σεπολίων, Ευελπίδων και της λέσχης φιλίας Ελληνορώσων σε αποκριάτικα τραγούδια

Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο Αγίου Ελευθερίου (Αναβρυτής 5)

17:00 Το καρναβάλι της χαράς

Αποκριάτικη γιορτή για παιδιά με χορό και τραγούδια

Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο Εξαρχείων (Τσαμαδού 9)

17:30 «Μασκαράδες εν ΔΡΑΣΕΙ»

Αποκριάτικη γιορτή με τη Μουσικοθεατρική ομάδα των ΑμεΑ.

Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο Κάτω Πατησίων (Στρ. Καλλάρη & Κουρτίδου )

18:00 Το γαϊτανάκι της χαράς

Γαϊτανάκι, αποκριάτικα δρώμενα και παραδοσιακοί χοροί από τις θεατρικές ομάδες παιδιών και εφήβων

Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο Κάτω Πετραλώνων (Αθηνοδώρου 61)

18:30 Το καρναβάλι της χαράς

Αποκριάτικη γιορτή με τη συμμετοχή των ομάδων παιδιών και ενηλίκων, θεάτρου, παραδοσιακών χορών (συμμετέχει και το Π.Κ των Άνω Πετραλώνων) και μουσικής που θα παρουσιάσουν δρώμενα της αποκριάς.

Κυριακή 19 Φεβρουαρίου

Πλατεία Συντάγματος

11:00-15:30 Αποκριάτικη γιορτή για τα παιδιά. Έναρξη με τη Φιλαρμονική Ορχήστρα του Δήμου Αθηναίων. Εικαστικά δρώμενα εμπνευσμένα από την ελληνική παράδοση και τα έθιμα της Αποκριάς με μεικτές τεχνικές από το Καλλιτεχνικό Εργαστήριο “Τα Μανταλάκια”. Εμψυχωτές, ξυλοπόδαρους, εργαστήρια face painting, dj set, μπαλονοκατασκευές, bubble & magic show, ζογκλέρ & θέατρο δρόμου σε μια τρίωρη αποκριάτικη γιορτή από την ομάδα «Teatro-Theama»

14.00 «Αthens Big Band goes latin» Αποκριάτικη συναυλία της Big Band του Δήμου Αθηναίων

Κρουστά : Κiki Bu

Καλλιτεχνική επιμέλεια : Σάμι Αμίρης

Βρεφική – Νηπιακή Βιβλιοθήκη Δήμου Αθηναίων (Λάμψα &Τριφυλίας, Αμπελόκηποι)

11.30 -13.30 «Βιβλία με καπέλα»

Ελάτε να διαβάσουμε παρέα ιστορίες με καπέλα και να κατασκευάσουμε τα δικά μας καπέλα με τα πιο απίθανα υλικά!

Για παιδιά ηλικίας 3-8 ετών

Κράτηση θέσεων Τρίτη-Πέμπτη 10.00-17.00, Παρασκευή 14.00-19.00, Σάββατο 10.00-14.00 τηλ. 210-8829735 vrefikilibrary@gmail.com

Οργάνωση: Σύλλογος «Διαβάζοντας Μεγαλώνω»

Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο «Μελίνα» Αίθουσα «Οδοιπορικό στην παλιά Αθήνα» (Ηρακλειδών 66 & Θεσσαλονίκης, Θησείο)

11.00 «Απόκριες στην παλιά Αθήνα» Τραγούδια, χοροί της παλιάς Αθήνας, ζωντανή μουσική και θεατρικά δρώμενα με γαϊτανάκι.

Συνδιοργάνωση με τον Όμιλο Φίλων του Ελληνικού Χορού –Λαογραφικό Εργαστήρι

«ΤΟ ΧΟΡΟΣΤΑΣΙ»

Μουσείο Λαϊκής Τέχνης και Παράδοσης « Αγγελική Χατζημιχάλη» (Αγγ. Χατζημιχάλη 6, Πλάκα)

11.00 Αποκριάτικο εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα για παιδιά «Η μάσκα της μπούλας και του γενίτσαρου»

Οι μικροί μας φίλοι θα έχουν της ευκαιρία να ακούσουν χρήσιμες πληροφορίες για τα έθιμα που τηρεί ο λαός μας την περίοδο της Αποκριάς , να περιηγηθούν στην έκθεση και να κατασκευάσουν τις δικές τους μάσκες.

Κρατήσεις θέσεων στο τηλ. 2103243987 & 2103243972 από Δευτέρα έως Παρασκευή 9.00-15.00μμ

Μουσείο « Δωδεκανησιακό Σπίτι» (Δωδώνης 119, Σεπόλια)

11.00 Εργαστήριο κατασκευής αποκριάτικης μάσκας και ξενάγηση στο Μουσείο

Για παιδιά ηλικίας 6 έως 12 ετών

Κεντρική Βιβλιοθήκη Δήμου Αθηναίων (Δομοκού 2, Σταθμός Λαρίσης)

11.00 « Χορεύοντας με το γαϊτανάκι»

Προσκαλούμε τους μικρούς μας φίλους σε ένα τρελό αποκριάτικο ξεφάντωμα στη βιβλιοθήκη μας

Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο Βαφειοχωρίου (Βαφειοχωρίου & Καρολίδου 2)

19:00 Χορεύουμε…γλεντάμε και γελάμε!!!

Αποκριάτικη γιορτή για ενήλικες με τη συμμετοχή της ομάδας παραδοσιακών χορών ενηλίκων του Π. Κέντρου Βαφειοχωρίου και των ομάδων ενηλίκων και εφήβων του Π. Κέντρου Κυψέλης.

Σταθμός Μετρό Ακρόπολη

19:00 Αποκριάτικο σεργιάνι στο ιστορικό κέντρο της πόλης με καντάδες από τη Χορωδία της Ένωσης Ζακυνθίων Αθήνας «Ο Άγιος Διονύσιος»

Διαδρομή: Μετρό Ακρόπολη, Σέλλεϋ, Βύρωνος, πλατεία Αγ. Αικατερίνης, πλατεία Φιλομούσου Εταιρείας, Κυδαθηναίων, Αδριανουπόλεως, Τριπόδων,Φλέσσα, Λυσίου, Μάρκου Αυρηλίου, Αδριανού, πλατεία Μοναστηρακίου.

The celebrations of Apokries (Greece’s Carnival) culminate on Forgiveness or Cheesefare Sunday, it is the last day that orthodox traditionally eat dairy products and celebrate before the first day of Lent. In Greece, this day is redolent of traditions, customs, and, of course, delicious recipes.


The advent of the carnival season, a period known in Greece as Apokries, marks the peak of indulgence in food and festivities. This period, however, ends with the start of the longest fasting period of the Orthodox calendar: the forty-seven-day pre-Easter Lenten fast. The Greek word “apokria” refers to the weeks of the gradual change in diet prior to the discipline of Lent, also known as Great Lent or “Sarakosti.” This period of Apokries spans the three weeks before the onset of Great Lent. The popular tradition of celebrating Apokries culminates during the weekends with masquerades, parades, parties, and of course, the abundance of traditional foods. While the most popular carnival today is that of Patras, other cities and smaller towns carry out their own regional traditions.

What is today a tradition espoused by the Orthodox Church actually stems from the pagan rites of the ancient Greeks and the festivals of Dionysus, god of wine and merrymaking. In ancient times, people would disguise themselves as satyrs, wearing masks and pouring into the streets and neighborhoods. They would behave”inappropriately” with risqué actions, while hiding their true identity behind costumes. This lively celebration was also held in anticipation of springtime. Paradoxically, this celebration would involve rituals dedicated both to a “new life” (the budding of trees, vineyards, flowers, etc.), as well as to the souls of the dead which were believed to ascend to the “upper world” around the 1st of March. With the beginning of Christianity, the Church tried to subdue the pagan practices and replace them with Christian practices. Hence, during this period, we find the practice of having special liturgies and memorial services like the Saturday of the Souls, in which people take boiled wheat (koliva) to church and divide it among the congregation afterwards in memory of their loved ones. In this way, the pagan practices were so deeply rooted that they were not completely weeded out. Instead, they were transformed into Christian practices.

According to the Orthodox Church, the gradual change in diet is more than just a matter of food intake. Allowing us to transition from one spiritual state to another through this gradual change in diet, the Church acknowledges our human weakness. All celebrations culminate on Cheese Fare Sunday, the last day of celebration before Pure Monday, or Clean Monday, which marks the first day of Lent. Cheese Fare Sunday hosts an abundance of local traditions and culinary repertoires. There is a continuation of the festivities that began the first Sunday of Apokries, with people masquerading through the village and town streets, followed by feasting on traditional dishes made with fish, cheese, milk and eggs, as meat was abandoned the previous week of Meat Fare Sunday. Some traditional satirical songs carry out the theme of bidding goodbye to “Cheese” (Tyros) and welcoming in the “Onion” and the “Leek.” All this, of course, in reference to the upcoming fast, where the “lowly” vegetable will now take over as the main course.

In the central Peloponnese, specifically within the region of Arcadia, there is the tradition of eating what is called “tyrozoumi,” a soupy stew of wild greens heavily garnished with chunks of mizithra cheese. This serves as a first course and everyone at the table is expected to partake of it after first raising the table with their hands three times. Following the tyrozoumi, comes the main course- macaroni sprinkled with lots of cheese. During the course of the evening, the unmarried young people are supposed to “steal” a piece of macaroni and place it under their pillow that night in order dream about the person they are to marry.

The Vlach communities of the mountainous regions of central Greece make traditional “galatopites,” or milk pies, along with cheese pies, and pies filled with trahana, a homemade meal of wheat flour or cracked wheat—all of course, made with homemade phyllo. On the island of Karpathos, the entire town is traditionally invited to the home of the mayor, where a large buffet is laid out with succulent fish and dairy products. Special sweets made with mizithra are also served, as well as rice pudding and a special drink called “sitaka,” spiced with butter and honey. In the islands of Kea and Milos, the remnants of food from the feast of Cheese Fare Sunday are left on the table until the following morning, just in case “the ghost of the house” gets hungry during the night.

Today, most of these traditions have died out, with weak and scattered attempts to retain them in some of the more rural areas of Greece. Even so, most people will still partake of traditional Cheese Fare Sunday dishes, whether it be in their homes or at some local taverna.

https://youtu.be/-4hbtXYGJak

https://youtu.be/fytdiBaHa7E

Greek Easter isn’t only about red eggs and sweet bread called tsoureki and koulourakia. Timeless traditions, some dating to pagan times and others from the revolution against the Turks dot the Greek countryside and islands. But if you’re not in the mood to burn effigies of Judas or partake in rocket wars, try cooking up some traditional greats. We like the California Greek Girl’s Easter recipes. (Koulourakia photo from the California Greek Girl’s blog)

BURNING OF JUDAS

On the island of Crete, it is customary to burn an effigy of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. The effigy is often hanged by the neck before the burning on the Friday or Saturday before Easter. For an added touch, some celebrants stuff the effigy with fireworks or give it the face of an unpopular politician.

VOURNES IN RHODES

The residents of the village of Saint Isidoros in Rhodes Island maintain a tradition called Vourna that lasts for 3 days, starting from the Saturday before Easter. Only single men of the village can participate and must obey to some rules that are watched over by a board of “secret police” who follow the participants. Rules include attending Church services and other requirements. Those who break rules have a tsoukopana (a special cloth) hung on the chimney of their home indicating their offense.Following a court haring on Easter Monday the “judges” will charge the participants who have not respected the rules of this tradition and impose the fines that they must be charged with. Those who refuse to pay their fines are thrown in the cold water of the Vourna (a basin) without any warning and doused with water. The money raised is given to charity.

THE ROCKET WAR ON CHIOS

In the village of Vrondados, on the Greek island of Chios, the annual war of the rockets is staged between two churches, Agios Marcos and Erithiani. Residents spend all year preparing thousands of rockets containing fireworks. On Saturday night before Easter, the rockets are fired between the churches for hours. The custom goes back to the Turkish occupation of the island.

POT THROWING ON CORFU

On Holy Saturday at 11 am the First Resurrection and the “Pot Throwing” custom take place. The philharmonic orchestras and the choirs of the town take part in the litany of the epitaph/funeral biers’ of the town’s patron saint, St. Spyridon, in procession with the Saint’s relics. The litany is followed by the celebration of the “Early Resurrection” where balconies in the old town are decked in bright red pieces of cloth. Then the residents throw down large clay pots (the co-called botides) that are full of water to smash on the street pavements. There is no clear explanation of this odd tradition. Some people claim that by throwing pots out of their homes they reject Judas, while others believe that this tradition will help them to get rid of evil.

SAITOPOLEMOS IN KALAMATA

Saitopolemos is a customary celebration that take place in the region of Messinia during Easter. According to legend, its roots can be traced back to the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s, and especially to a battle the Greeks fought against the army of the Egyptian Sultan Ibrahim Pasha. The biggest celebration takes place in Kalamata Metropolitan Stadium where the participants are divided into 10 to 15 teams, consisting of 15 to 30 people, mainly young boys. A saita is a circular object filled with flammable material. When the celebration begins the players light up their saites and the stadium glows with flame. The dangerous custom is controversial and the Greek media have been highly critical of it, and there have been calls for its termination. But the locals insist that the custom is a tradition they inherited from their ancestors.

SWORD DANCING IN CHALKIDIKI

On Easter Tuesday, in the village of Ierissos in Chalkidiki, residents dance in memory of of the massacre of 400 locals by the Turks, at “Mavro Aloni”. The tradition recalls an incident in 1821, during the revolution, when the Turks promised general amnesty to those who would surrender. After they surrendered, the Turkish pasha asked the residents to dance. At every turn of the dance, the swords of the Turks slaughtered one dancer. Dancers must pass through an arch of laurels and, scary as it sounds, swords too. They double back on themselves and pass one before the other in an impressive final farewell.

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I embarked on my journey to Mediterranean Blue, a television series that showcases the beauty, people traditions, culture, and cuisine of magical Greece, the name of which is attributed to the special deep-blue and turquoise color of the Mediterranean Sea. I am proud to announce that this new series will be airing on PBS this fall, as well as on New Greek TV, the Greek channel of the U.S. and Canada, in the spring of 2017.

The producer-director, George Stamou, our director of photography, John Stathopoulos, and myself, were very excited and couldn’t wait to get started! Our first filming destination in Greece was the islands of the Dodecanese, located in the southeastern region of the Aegean. The show’s concept was illustrated through the view of a sailboat, which was used to better capture the essence and beauty of each island’s distinct character.

The cosmopolitan island of Rhodes was our first stop. Rhodes has been a vacation “hot spot” since the 1950s. Many of the world’s re-known celebrities have visited this jet-setting travel destination, and many producers have filmed movies on this island. Famous actor, Anthony Quinn, loved this island so much that he purchased property there and one of its beaches was named after him.

As we approached the famous port of Rhodes, we passed its historic pillars, which once held one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, a depiction of the ancient Greek Titan-God Helios, which was erected in 280 B.C. The backdrop of the city harmoniously combined the ancient, medieval, Byzantine, and Hellenistic eras of its history, through its imposing medieval wall, palm trees, and architecture. Rhodes was historically a wealthy island, agriculturally abundant, a major trading center, and was often visited by famous men and rulers, including Alexander the Great.

Rhodes has one of the most well preserved medieval castles in Europe dating back to the 7th century, the Palace of the Grand Master, or the Kastello. Once a Byzantine citadel, it became a fortress for the crusading Knights of St. John. Due to this castle’s medieval and port-Byzantine historical and architectural importance, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When walking the streets of historic Rhodes, one can almost go back in time, back to when the medieval knights and maidens roamed its streets. As you examine every detail and corner of this historic city, there is a romantic feeling about the place, which can ignite one’s soul to further search more into its history. A visit to the nearby Archeological Museum is encouraged to enhance this.

The Acropolis of Rhodes dates back to Greece’s classical period. Its remains include the Temple of Apollo, Athena Polias and Zeus Polias, a stadium, a small theater, the Odeon, remains of the the Stoa building, the Nymphaeum Caves, and the Artemision.

The historic homes of Rhodes have been renovated and preserved to keep their original architecture and enchanting medieval character, until you venture outside the castle’s walls, where you will find yourself in the modern city of Rhodes. This part is a busy cosmopolitan city that resembles a smaller version of Athens, as Rhodes is the capital of all the islands of the Dodecanese.

We enjoyed a traditional Rhodian dinner, a cup of coffee and delicious local deserts at Koukos, a restaurant and cafe that have kept its traditional architecture and design, to enhance its visitors’ experience of customary Rhodes. Rhodes boasts dozens of 5-star hotels and resorts, offering the best services and promising a luxurious stay with all the amenities one can enjoy.

The island is so big, and has so much for one to see and do, that you will need a few days to really explore it. There are many villages, historical churches, ancient sites, museums, a rain forest filled with butterflies, and a vast array of beaches to choose from that offer many water and land activities, such as scuba diving, jet skiing, horseback riding, hiking, and many more!

We sailed south of the island to the ancient city of Lindos, a magical place with another enchanting village, beautiful beaches, and a well-intact ancient acropolis containing the Doric Temple of Athena, the Propylaea, Hellenistic Stoa, the famous relief of a Rhodian warship, Roman temple remains dating back to the Emperor Diocletian, and a Greek-Orthodox Byzantine church, the Church of St. John.

After enjoying a day of scuba diving and swimming underneath the ancient acropolis, we learned about a new recipe by local known chef, Demetri of Demetri’s Restaurant, overlooking the sea and the acropolis, which has been serving traditional Rhodian food for 70 years! It was fantastic!

Rhodes was a great start to our Mediterranean Blue Adventure and there was so much more to see, however, we had to head out in order to discover the rest of the wondrous islands that were awaiting us. The crew, George, John, Dionysis, Myrto, and myself, jumped on our sailboat with its seasoned captain, Captain Chris, along with his first mate, Pantellis, and we were off to the neighboring island of Tilos!

Tsiknopempti which falls this year on the 16th of February or the week of Kreatini, during which large amounts of meat are traditionally consumed by Greek Orthodox believers prior to the arrival of Lent, the fasting season leading up to Easter. (The day is also known as BBQ Thursday). It is similar to, but should not be confused with, the French festival of Mardi Gras (or “Fat Tuesday”.)

Meat is king, with the emphasis on grilled meats, though the occasional stew pot will be visible. Some hotels and virtually every taverna will put on special menus for Tsiknopempti. By far, the most common item will be some variation of souvlaki – meat on a stick. These will be available everywhere along the streets in the taverna areas and walk carefully to avoid banging into an unexpected grill mostly obscured by smoke, sharing the already narrow streets and walkways. (Souvlaki skewers in the hands of the inexperienced can also be causes of mild injury, so be careful.)

Beyond the standard grilling, each region of Greece also has its own customs and traditions which are celebrated on this day every year.

Athens – In the area of Plaka (downtown Athens) carnival capers make their way around the region’s central squares and in the evening a parade is held -which begins at the Acropolis metro and heads through to Monastiraki area with music and dance-.

Corfu – On the island of Corfu the “Corfiatika Petegoletsia” are held. The word Petegoletsia means gossip and this is one day of the year where you are obligated to yap, yap away! After consuming their meaty meals locals apparently gather at the Piazza near “Koukounara” to “socially criticize” one another.

Patras – In Patras, the custom of “Yiannoula tis Koulouras” is celebrated. According to tradition, Yiannoula (Johanne in English) still believes that Admiral Wilson will come back to her city so he can sweep her off her feet and marry her. As such, she patiently (and frantically) awaits for him at the city’s main port. In respect to the tradition, Patras citizens choose a young girl from the area every year, dress her up as a bride and once she begins acting out the role of Yiannoula they celebrate by singing and dancing around her.

Serres – In the northern city of Serres locals set grand fires ablaze. After roasting their meat, and guzzling up some Tsipouro they then leap over the flames.

Komotini – In the city of Komotini, housewives purposely burn a chicken so that they can serve it to their families on the last Sunday of Carnival. Tradition also says that on Tsiknopepmti engaged couples exchange edible gifts. For instance: the groom sends a “kourko” or poultry to the bride, and she returns the favor by sending him a baklava and a stuffed chicken.

Thebes – In Thebes, a “Vlach wedding” is held. At first the matchmaking begins, and then an actual traditional “Vlach wedding” is held. The dancing and the singing continues for days and ends on Lent Monday when the bride’s dowry is paraded across town and another feast is held.

Ios – On the island of Ios, masked men, wearing cow bells (or sheep bells) around their waists trek all over the island and spontaneously visit homes and shops.

Poros – On the island of Poros, the youth is encouraged to steal pasta! (Or at least one macaroni). They then place the macaroni under their pillows at night to see who they will marry.

Peloponnese – Throughout the Peloponnese locals slaughter pigs and then make numerous traditional meat dishes including picthi (which is cured pork in fat), tsigarides, sausages, gournaloifi and salted pork (otherwise known as ‘pasto’).

Skopelo – On the island of Skopelos, residents meet in the area of Pefko and celebrate and feast together.

Tsiknopempti Across The World

On this day, similar events are also celebrated in other areas of the world where carnival is celebrated as well.

For instance in Italy, Giovedì Grasso (Fat Thursday) is also celebrated, but it is not very different from Martedì Grasso (Shrove Tuesday). It is more similar to Tsiknopempti and involves the massive consumption of charred meat.

In Spain this celebration is called jueves lardero, and in Catalan-speaking areas, dijous gras. In Albacete, central Spain, Jueves Lardero is celebrated with a square pastry called a bizcocho and a round pastry called a mona. Whereas in Aragon a meal is prepared with a special sausage from Graus while in Catalonia the tradition is to eat sweet Bunyols.

In Germany, Weiberfastnacht is an unofficial holiday. At the majority of workplaces, work ends before noon and celebrations start at 11:11 am. In comparison with Rosenmontag, there are hardly any parades, but people wear costumes and celebrate in pubs and in the streets. Beueler Weiberfastnacht (“washerwomen’s carnival”) is traditionally celebrated In the Bonn district of Beuel. The tradition dates back to 1824, when local women first formed their own “carnival committee”. The symbolic storming of the Beuel town hall is broadcast live on TV. In many towns across the state of North Rhine Westphalia, a ritual “takeover” of the town halls by local women has become tradition. Among other established customs, on that day women cut off the ties of men, which are seen as a symbol of men’s status. The men wear the stumps of their ties and get a Butzchen (little kiss) as compensation.

The Diaspora Also Celebrates Tsiknopempti

Greek communities around the world also celebrate Tsiknopempti, and Greek Orthodox church groups may arrange special events. Greek restaurants catering to local Greeks are expected to include special meat dishes this day and expect cities with “Greek Towns” to really smoke some good meat. These include Montreal, Quebec; Astoria in New York; Chicago, Illinois; Toronto,Canada; southern Florida, Melbourne, Australia, etc…

Cyprus also vigorously celebrates Tsiknopempti, with parades and other events.

2017 Greek Carnival Dates

Triodion: Sunday, February 5th

Tsiknopempti or “Burnt Thursday”: February 16th

Tsiknopempti Weekend: Friday, February 17th – Sunday, February 19th

Cheesefare Thursday: February 23rd

Main Carnival Weekend: Friday February 24th-Sunday February 26th

Clean Monday: February 27th
High spirits, creative expression, wild colours and fantasy to spare are the driving forces behind this year’s Athens Carnival, which kicks off on Tsiknopempti (Smoke Thursday).

The aim of this year’s Athens Carnival is to encourage all citizens and visitors to be a part of a lively, fun-filled celebration that will take place at the usual venues but also in city neighbourhoods.