Hıdırellez Celebrations to Engulf Ankara on May 6, 2026
Ankara is preparing to celebrate Hıdırellez, regarded as the harbinger of spring, with a vibrant festival scheduled for May 6, 2026. The Hıdırellez Festival will take place at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University’s Itrî Campus, bringing together various institutions for a day of cultural festivities.
The event is a collaborative effort by the UNESCO Turkish National Commission (UTMK), Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Faculty of Letters Turkish Folklore Application and Research Center (THBMER), Ankara Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, Gölbaşı Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, Intangible Cultural Heritage Association, Traditional Sports and Games Application and Research Center, and the Turkish Traditional Sports Branches Federation (GSDF).
The festival is scheduled to run from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University Itrî Campus. Following opening speeches, participants will engage in a variety of Hıdırellez-specific rituals and activities. These include traditional practices such as “passing through the Hıdırellez gate,” “tying wishes to a rose tree,” and “jumping over the Hıdırellez fire.” Additionally, the program features children’s games, egg and fish painting activities, trousseau spreading, and riddle games.
A special martuval tent will be set up in the event area for wish rituals, offering applications like “unlocking fate with a lock” and “passing through the circle of fate” to visitors. The tradition of “salt-bread right” will be upheld for participants, with distribution of abundance sacks and a pilaf treat.
Furthermore, the festival will include a “street of countries” where different nations celebrating Hıdırellez will be introduced, highlighting the diverse cultural significance of this spring festival.
Key Highlights of the Hıdırellez Festival:
- Date and Time: May 6, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Location: Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, Itrî Campus
- Organizers: UNESCO Turkish National Commission, Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, Intangible Cultural Heritage Museums, and various cultural associations.
- Traditional Rituals: “Passing through the Hıdırellez gate,” “tying wishes to a rose tree,” “jumping over the Hıdırellez fire.”
- Family Activities: Children’s games, egg and fish painting, trousseau spreading, riddle games.
- Special Rituals: “Unlocking fate with a lock,” “passing through the circle of fate” in the martuval tent.
- Cultural Offerings: “Salt-bread right” tradition, distribution of abundance sacks, pilaf treat.
- International Participation: “Street of countries” showcasing Hıdırellez celebrations from different nations.
The Hıdırellez Festival aims to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage associated with this ancient spring celebration, offering a day of joy and tradition for the residents of Ankara and visitors alike. The event underscores the importance of intangible cultural heritage and fosters community engagement through shared cultural experiences.
