The Greeks are getting ready "meat eater"

Preparations for the “Meat Eater” (Tsiknopemti, February 16) are in full swing, the tables are almost 100% booked.

In the catering establishments of Thessaloniki, preparations for the celebration of Tsiknopemti (Τσικνοπέμπτη) are in full swing. Both restaurants and even several cafe-bars prepare open-air barbecues with music and dancing in the afternoon, and those who wish have already booked tables in advance.

Deliveries of meat products by entrepreneurs have already begun, since it is assumed that the amount of meat and side dishes required will exceed any precedent. Because the meteorologists predict fine weather, and the inhabitants of the country are “breaking away” (anywhere, if only not at home) for years of quarantine.

“Demand is particularly strong this year. At the downtown store, we don’t pre-order on these days as we try to serve as many customers as possible who want to keep the custom. On the contrary, in our restaurant at the western entrance to the city, almost 100% of the tables are already booked,” said businessman Stavros Sotiroudis, who has catering establishments both in the east and in the center and west of Thessaloniki.

Souvlaki, whether made from pork or chicken, are “number 1” in consumer preferences. The butchers of Thessaloniki have calculated that this year there will be an increase in both meat sales and outdoor grilling. This is due to very good weather and the willingness of people to return to old, pre-pandemic habits.

“Orders have already begun to slowly arrive, although it is in the habits of the Greeks to do everything at the very last minute. However, according to our estimates, meat sales will increase this year,” said Nikos Balapanidis, president of the Thessaloniki Butchers Association. According to him, about 900 butcher shops, which operate as separate enterprises in the prefecture of Thessaloniki, have sufficient supply of meatA prices in the last 4-5 months remain at the same level. “It’s hard to assess volumes to be sold, but it is known for sure that the market is fully provided, as suppliers supply us with meat every day. Souvlaki take pride of place, followed by pancetta, all kinds of sausages, as well as suzuki. This is the type of meat product that can be easily and quickly prepared, and it is also convenient to eat in the company, ”the expert notes.

The priest spoke about the religious component of the tradition of celebrating Tsiknopemti.

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