Many different activities are held in our country, in both the East and West, reflecting each area’s geography, culture, and lifestyle. Festivals are organized periodically in important cities and towns that hold significance from a historical perspective and in contemporary times. We have compiled a list of Turkey’s local festivals, which contribute to the country’s most active periods of tourism. Accordingly, you may make alternative holiday plans and experience a wide variety of pleasures.
Kırkpınar Oil-Wrestling Festival
The Kırkpınar Oil-Wrestling Festival is one of the longest-running international sports events in the world. The annual tradition started over 600 years ago, and today, many wrestlers continue to join the race in order to compete for the gold belt in Edirne. Usually held in June, the festival is a famous get-together for local and international sports enthusiasts.
Wrestlers cover the arena at the Kırkpınar Turkish Oil Wrestling Festival in Edirne.
Tekirdağ Cherry Festival
The Tekirdağ Cherry Festival is one of the long-running festivals held in Turkey, and it is held in June every year. This festival started with the name “Kiraz Cümbüşü” (Cherry Revelry), and over time, it has evolved into a cultural feast with competitions, lanterns, various exhibitions, and shows. Even a beauty contest is organized in the picnic area. Welcoming many native and foreign tourists, Tekirdağ becomes a city that you must visit in June.
Tekirdağ Cherry Festival
Mesir Paste Festival of Manisa
This festival in Manisa is an international festival that is registered by UNESCO. Mesir pastes are distributed to the public from the Sultan Mosque in Manisa, which is flooded by thousands of foreign tourists. Mesir paste was discovered to find a cure for the disease the Sultan’s mother suffered from 500 years ago. The Mesir Paste Festival has a very active entertainment schedule and is usually held in April.
Mesir Macunu is a traditional Turkish sweet believed to have therapeutic effects. Mesir paste was founded as a medicine during the Ottoman period.
Kaman Walnut Festival
There is a different festival in the Kaman district of Kırşehir which has been held since 1991. The Kaman Walnut Festival was organized to introduce the Kaman walnut to the whole world, and it turned into a cultural event that is held every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of October. It is widely attended and has activities for all ages, including the Kalehöyük Museum trip, concerts, and playgrounds for children.
Kaman Wallnut Festival
Bozcaada Wine-Harvest Festival
One of Turkey’s untouched regions, Bozcaada is famous for its grapes and the wines obtained from them. The festival, which has been organized since the beginning of the 2000s, is attended by both local and foreign tourists. Along with its concerts, excursions, and various activities, Bozcaada hosts a renowned wine tasting. The festival is flooded by thousands of tourists takes place in the first week of September, lasting for 3 days.
Bozcaada Wine Harvest Festival
Artvin Satave Gevrek Festival
The local people have been organizing different activities through the Satave Gevrek Festival in the town of Artvin‘s Şavsat District for 24 years. A colorful festival is held along with the concerts, folk dances, picnics, and a variety of shows. The festival is held in July every year.
Artvin Satave Gevrek Festival
Kızılcahamam Culture, Art and Water Festival
In Kızılcahamam, which is famous for its thermal spring water, a festival is organized every year in the last week of August and in the first week of September. Together with Kızılcahamam Culture, Art and Water Festival, oil wrestling, folk dances, concerts, picnics in the festival area, and fashion shows of the authentic fabrics of the region are exhibited.
Kızılcıhamam Culture, Art and Water Festival
Diyarbakır Watermelon Festival
The most delicious watermelons of our country are grown in Diyarbakir, so it is the city to host the Watermelon Festival, which has been held since 2010 and is a very colorful and enjoyable event. While the biggest watermelon is selected at the Watermelon Festival, the chefs make their artwork on watermelon and prepare different presentations at the same time. A watermelon eating contest, voice competition, and watermelon beauty contest are all events at the festival that are enjoyed by many.
Diyarbakır Watermelon Festival
Beypazarı Carrot Festival
Beypazarı Carrot Festival has been celebrated since 1995, starts on the first Friday of June, and lasts three days. During the days of the festival, this cute town comes alive with concerts, competitions, picnics, and events. Also, when you go to Beypazarı for the festival, do not leave the town without seeing the famous mansions, visiting the legendary markets, and tasting the authentic food. You can also make a day trip to Ankara.
Beypazarı Carrot Festival
