Meat consumption soared on Tsiknopempti as Cypriots honoured the traditional custom, choosing mainly pork souvlaki, chops and sausages.
Butchers’ president Kostas Leivadiotis said demand was double that of a normal day, particularly for grill products.
Consumers stuck to tried and tested options, preferring for another year meats that grill easily and quickly such as sausages, chops, cutlets and mainly pork souvlaki, he said.
Increased shopping activity started on Wednesday and early yesterday morning, with butchers serving higher customer volumes throughout the day.
According to figures Leivadiotis provided, consumption of pork souvlaki and various cuts was about double compared to any other day.
Tsiknopempti, which traditionally marks the peak of meat eating before Lent, remains one of the most commercial days for butchers, as grilling is not limited to households but extends to almost all companies, offices, organisations and many schools in Cyprus.
Pork souvlaki was priced at around €6 per kilo.
Strong turnover for restaurants
Turnover was particularly high for food establishments, as many chose to celebrate outside the home or order ready meals. Tavernas and souvlaki shops recorded high demand, with some businesses reporting they had sold out by noon due to high consumption volumes and pre-orders received in previous days.
Entertainment Centres Association Secretary General Fanos Leventis told Phileleftheros that entertainment centres moved at satisfactory levels, comparing yesterday to an extra Saturday in terms of activity at tavernas and restaurants.
Traditional dishes honoured
Traditional dishes of the season also had their moment. Beyond grilled meats, demand was high for pourekia, which many bought from bakeries or pastry shops, completing the day’s menu with traditional sweet and savoury options.
Industry professionals speak of satisfactory shopping activity, estimating that Tsiknopempti remains one of the most commercial days of the year.
Some took different approach
On the other hand, there were those who decided to celebrate Tsiknopempti differently and away from any animal slaughter. Specifically, the Animal Party in an announcement asked citizens to choose a different approach this Tsiknopempti, such as vegetables, pulses and plant products.
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