Hıdırellez, a traditional festival to usher in spring, falls on May 6 each year and celebrations start on May 5 around the country, especially among the Roma community, which welcomes it with the Kakava Festival in Edirne
Hıdırellez festival at Maçka Sanat ParkOn May 5 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Maçka Sanat Park in Beşiktaş will host orchestras, DJ performances and workshops for adults and children, all coming to celebrate Hıdırellez.
Make a wish
If you wish something on the day of Hıdırellez, it is believed that it will come true. On Thursday, a wishing tree will be set up at Istanbul's Zorlu Center outdoor area to revive the ritual. On the same day, a Romani orchestra will color the event venue with joyful melodies and live performances. The Hıdırellez celebrations at Zorlu Center will start at 12 a.m.Kakava Festival in Thracian regionLikewise, Roma people celebrate the annual Kakava spring festival near the Tunca River in the western Turkish city of Edirne, near the Turkish-Bulgarian border, every year on May 5. The return of spring is celebrated during the festival, which starts on the night of May 5 and continues in the dawn of the next day at the bank of Tunca River. The festival represents the rebirth of nature and purification of one's self. In the evening, groups gather around a big fire in the town of Sarayiçi. Hundreds of people observe the festival by dancing and singing until the next morning. They appear in traditional outfits and perform a Roma folk dance. Some women draw pictures of their wishes on small pieces of paper and hang them on a wish tree. They also pick small tree branches to decorate their cars and homes. This year, the Roma people will light up a giant fire in Sarayiçi on May 5, accompanied by cultural events near the Tunca River next day. Edirne, home to a large Roma community, sees the most crowded Hıdırellez celebrations with people from all over the country as well as foreign tourists.
Festivities continue in Antalya
Hıdırellez celebrations will take place in coastal Alanya in the southern province of Antalya. The celebrations will start at 7 p.m. on May 5 and continue until the next day. While local musicians will entertain guests, flower and stone-painting stalls will be set up in workshop sessions. Guests will throw their wishes into the sea or put them on a wishing tree. A festival fire will also be lit on the beach.