Izmir Metropolitan Municipality celebrated the Hıdırellez Festival, which symbolizes the arrival of spring and the reawakening of nature, with great enthusiasm with colorful events organized at Kültürpark. In the celebrations where entertainment reached its peak with concerts, the traditional Hıdırellez fire was lit and the wishes of the people of Izmir rose to the sky.
Spring Joy in Every Corner of Kültürpark
The excitement of Hıdırellez has spread all around Kültürpark since the morning hours. İzmir residents who attended the program were first welcomed with a delightful concert by İzmir Musicians and Performing Artists Association at the Lozan Gate. Then, İzmir Stage Workers Association 65 Years Old Roma Musicians' energetic performance at the Caskatlı Pool provided İzmir residents with unforgettable moments.
Entertainment Reached Its Peak in Grass Area
The heart of the celebrations beat at the Main Stage set up in Kültürpark Grass Area. Beloved artists Çılgın Cemal, Tepecik Musicians Association and Ümmiye & Turkey Romani Orchestra took the stage at one hour intervals and presented a musical feast to the people of İzmir. The people of İzmir had fun and danced to their heart's content with a wide repertoire ranging from Balkan melodies to Turkish classical music, from Romani tunes to lively dance tunes.
Wishes Meet Fire
Following the excitement of the concerts, the traditional Hıdırellez fire, an essential part of Hıdırellez celebrations, was lit next to the Atlas Pavilion. The people of İzmir gathered around the fire and watched the fascinating performance of the Romani Fire Dance Group with admiration. After the colorful shows, the participants of the event performed the traditional ritual and jumped over the fire, making their wishes with new hopes.
The Hıdırellez enthusiasm of the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality was not limited to Kültürpark only. The arrival of spring was celebrated with the people of İzmir with concerts held in Konak Ege Neighborhood and Bayındır Çırpı. With these colorful events, İzmir experienced the joy and enthusiasm of Hıdırellez to its fullest.
