🔊 Limassol in a haze of BBQ smoke and carnival masks: a tradition with history and legend
Tsiknopempti in Limassol is more than just grilled meat and celebration. It marks the official start of the ten-day Carnival, with roots tracing back to the Byzantine era. The name comes from the word “tsikna” — the aroma of meat grilling over charcoal. The day is celebrated 11 days before the beginning of Lent, when people traditionally enjoy one last generous feast before the fasting period.

The Limassol Carnival is considered the largest on the island. Its modern form took shape in the early 20th century, though elements of street parades and satirical performances date back to the times of Frankish and Venetian rule in Cyprus.

There is also a local legend: according to tradition, the first carnival parades in Limassol began spontaneously after a successful grape harvest. Residents poured into the streets with songs and barrels of wine, dressed as jesters and mythical characters. It is said that if thick smoke from the grills rises over the city on Tsiknopempti, the year ahead will be generous and joyful.

Today, the city fills with music, serenaders, masks, and dancing. Limassol welcomes Carnival loudly, colorfully, and with historic flair.
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🎉 The vibe in Limassol

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🫠 BBQ vibes with a sea view in Larnaca

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🔥🥩 Larnaca Celebrates Tsiknopempti: Tradition, History and the Legend of “Smoky Thursday” in the Heart of the City 🎭🎶
On Thursday, February 12, Ermou Square in Larnaca turns into the center of carnival festivities. Starting at 12:00, the city hosts an open-air celebration of Tsiknopempti — the day that marks the beginning of the carnival season before Lent.

The name comes from tsikna, meaning the aroma of meat grilled over charcoal. The tradition dates back to Byzantine times, when people enjoyed generous feasts before a period of fasting. According to a local legend, the smoke from the first bonfires would rise high enough to “wake up spring” and drive away misfortune, symbolically cleansing the city for a new cycle of life.

Visitors can expect music, dancing, traditional delicacies, wine and zivania. Tsiknopempti is more than just food — it’s a ritual of unity, as families, neighbors and colleagues gather outdoors to celebrate together and keep traditions alive.
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👮 Scandal Update: Cyprus Police Officers Remain on Leave Eight Months Later
Two Cyprus police officers who were filmed last summer engaging in intimate activity inside a patrol car in the Aradippou industrial area are still off duty. They have been on paid leave since June 2025.

The Legal Service decided not to pursue criminal charges. However, an internal disciplinary investigation is ongoing. One officer is accused of using a service vehicle outside working hours, while the other was reportedly on duty at the time of the incident.

Both face possible dismissal depending on the outcome. No official timeline has been given for when the disciplinary committee will announce its decision.
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🚋🎭 Nicosia “launches a tram” — but only for a day and for laughs
The capital of Cyprus opened its carnival season in an unusual way. On Tsiknopempti, the streets of Nicosia saw the “first tram” roll through the city — though only as a satirical carnival float.

The municipality presented a themed platform humorously referencing the long-discussed issue of public transport in the capital. The ironic “tram launch” amused residents, as plans for a real tram system in Nicosia have been debated for years but never implemented.

Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos, said the city was “fulfilling campaign promises” — with humor, self-irony and a festive spirit.

The carnival kicked off in a bright and playful way, with music, laughter and light political satire filling the streets of the capital.
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🔊 Nicosia: Unknown suspects set fire to three Game and Fauna Service vehicles. Inspectors point to possible information leak
During the night in the village of Evrychou, official vehicles belonging to the wildlife and environmental protection service were set on fire. Two cars were completely destroyed, including a fire service vehicle. The employees’ union has raised the alarm, noting that this is not the first incident — similar arson attacks previously occurred in Paphos and Limassol.

The main complaint is that management had ignored requests for years to install fencing and surveillance cameras at the parking area. Inspectors suspect the attack may not have happened without an internal information leak, but leadership is demanding concrete evidence.

According to the union, such arson attacks are aimed at weakening environmental protection efforts. Police are searching for those responsible.
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🔊 Cyprus: Road accident turns into robbery — driver calls “backup” instead of insurers and steals from courier
A 20-year-old man from Limassol was involved in a collision with a delivery rider but chose not to wait for the police. Instead, he reportedly attacked the 24-year-old courier, demanding immediate payment for vehicle repairs.

When several of his friends arrived at the scene, the situation escalated. The group allegedly took the victim’s cash and mobile phone before leaving.

The main suspect has been arrested, while authorities are searching for the remaining individuals involved.
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