Cypriots Celebrate Tsiknopempti With Record-High Meat Consumption

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 16, 2026

Record Demand For Grilled Meats

In a striking display of culinary tradition, Cypriots celebrated Tsiknopempti with an explosive surge in meat consumption, particularly favoring pork souvlaki, ribs, and sausages. According to Costas Leivadoti, President of Meat Retailers, demand doubled compared to an ordinary day, especially for products ideal for grilling.

Consumer Preferences And Market Trends

Most shoppers gravitated toward familiar, easy-to-cook options such as sausages, ribs, steaks, and especially pork souvlaki, a pattern that has remained consistent in recent years. Purchasing activity began intensifying from Wednesday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Thursday, keeping butcher shops busy throughout the day. Indicative prices placed pork souvlaki at around €6 per kilogram, with volumes significantly higher than seasonal averages.

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Business Booms Beyond The Home

Heightened demand was also evident across the hospitality sector. Restaurants, taverns, and grill houses reported strong reservations, takeaway orders, and bookings. Several venues reached capacity or sold out of key menu items by midday, underscoring Tsiknopempti’s importance as one of the most profitable days of the year for food service businesses in Cyprus. Fanos Leventis, General Manager of the Owners Association of Leisure Centers, compared the day’s turnover to an additional weekend peak.

Diverse Celebratory Choices

While many adhered to the customary meat feast, some citizens opted for alternative culinary celebrations. The Animal Party (Κόμμα για τα Ζώα), in a public statement, encouraged adopting a plant-based approach by choosing vegetables, legumes, and other non-animal products. This suggestion adds an intriguing dimension to the cultural and commercial landscape of Tsiknopempti.

Maintaining Tradition Amid Changing Tastes

Alongside grilled meats, customary side dishes and sweets continued to feature prominently on festive tables. Local bakeries and specialty confectioners reported steady demand for both savory and sweet treats that traditionally accompany Tsiknopempti gatherings. Together, these elements highlight how the celebration remains both a cultural cornerstone and a significant economic boost for retailers and hospitality businesses across Cyprus.

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China Expands Investment And Launch Activity In The Space Sector

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 7, 2026

China’s Expanding Role In The Global Space Economy

China conducted more than 90 orbital launches in 2025, the highest annual total in its history. In recent years, the country has increased both launch activity and investment in space technologies. The program has achieved several milestones, including returning samples from the far side of the Moon, operating its own low-Earth-orbit space station, and landing a rover on Mars. These developments reflect Beijing’s long-term strategy to expand its presence in space exploration and commercial space activity.

Investment And Innovation Driving A New Space Economy

Industry leaders, including Dave Cavossa, president of the Commercial Space Federation, say China views both space and artificial intelligence as strategic sectors for global leadership. Analysis by space research firm Orbital Gateway Consulting indicates that Chinese investment in the commercial space sector increased from $340 million in 2015 to an estimated $3.81 billion in 2025. Over the past decade, total spending on civil, military, and commercial space programs has exceeded $104 billion. The figures place China among the largest space investors globally, although the United States continues to maintain strong capabilities in commercial launch and advanced technologies.

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An Ecosystem Fueled By Public And Private Collaboration

China’s approach combines local governments, universities, state-owned enterprises, and a growing number of private companies. A key regulatory change occurred in 2014 when a policy document commonly referred to as Document 60 opened the space sector to private investment and ownership. The policy accelerated the development of rocket manufacturing, with more than a dozen private firms now working on reusable launch vehicles similar to those developed by companies such as SpaceX.

The Satellite Race And Global Influence

China has also expanded investment in satellite infrastructure. Completion of the global BeiDou navigation system in 2020 positioned it as an alternative to the U.S. GPS constellation. Plans to deploy thousands of internet satellites could also create competition for SpaceX’s Starlink network. In parallel, the country has integrated its space strategy into the Belt and Road Initiative, developing ground stations and related infrastructure in countries including Egypt and Pakistan. Jonathan Roll of Arizona State University’s NewSpace initiative said this combination of technological investment and international partnerships could strengthen China’s influence in global space standards and services.

Charting The U.S. Path Forward

The United States remains a global leader in space activity, but some experts warn that continued investment will be necessary to maintain that position. Policy recommendations discussed within the industry include expanding spaceport infrastructure, simplifying commercial launch licensing, and ensuring sufficient spectrum allocation for satellite operations. Industry analysts note that long-term leadership in space increasingly depends on the strength of the commercial space industrial base.

To explore a deeper analysis of these competing visions for space leadership, view the comprehensive report and accompanying video here.

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