Türkiye is a country steeped in culture, history, and national pride, with its festivals and public holidays serving as a vibrant reflection of its rich heritage. For locals and visitors alike, these celebrations offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Türkiye’s dynamic traditions and spirited festivities.
Whether you’re a resident looking to honour these significant days or a traveller eager to experience the country’s cultural heartbeat, being familiar with Türkiye’s 2025 cultural festival schedule is essential. From joyous family gatherings to grand national celebrations, these holidays provide the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable memories.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to Türkiye’s 2025 cultural festivals — ideal for planning vacations, long weekends, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Camel Wrestling
Every year, on the third Sunday in January, the annual Camel Wrestling Championship takes place in Selçuk, Türkiye.
Camel wrestling originated over 2,400 years ago among ancient Turkic tribes, inspired by camels’ natural wrestling behaviour. Although an American military officer attempted to introduce the practice in Texas in the 1850s, his efforts were thwarted by the onset of the Civil War.
In the 1920s, the Turkish National Aviation League organised camel wrestling events to raise funds for purchasing planes, but the government discouraged the practice, viewing it as outdated. By the 1980s, a renewed emphasis on preserving cultural heritage led to the revival and promotion of camel wrestling as part of Türkiye’s historic traditions.
Held near Pamucak Beach, close to Ephesus and Selçuk, the event is approximately 7 km from Selçuk. You can easily reach the wrestling area by minibus or taxi.
Location Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TuCqRX4MSfXgY8Gz7
Datça Almond Blossom Festival (Badem Çiçeği Festivali)
Each year, the Datça Peninsula welcomes an early spring with the vibrant and colourful Almond Blossom Festival (Badem Çiçeği Festivali), held from 13th-16th February 2025.
This four-day celebration showcases the region’s agricultural pride—almond trees—in full bloom, with a packed programme of events centred around their beauty and significance.
Nevruz: A Celebration of Spring and Renewal
Nevruz, meaning “new day,” marks the first day of spring and nature’s renewal. This 3,000-year-old festivity is celebrated across regions such as the Balkans, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
It features rituals, ceremonies, cultural events, and shared meals with loved ones. Traditions include wearing new clothes, visiting family and friends, and exchanging gifts, especially with children.
Celebrated on 20 March 2025, Nevruz promotes peace, solidarity, reconciliation, and neighbourliness. In Türkiye, thousands marked the day with vibrant rituals, particularly in the southeastern and eastern regions.
You can read more about Nevruz here:
Alaçatı Herb Festival
The Alaçatı Herb Festival is an annual event held in late March or April* in the picturesque town of Alaçatı, located in the Çeşme district of Izmir. This vibrant festival celebrates the region’s abundance of culinary and medicinal herbs, attracting visitors from across Türkiye and beyond.
Visitors can indulge in a wide array of traditional dishes crafted with local herbs and spices. These unique flavours offer a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage, making it a must-visit event for food lovers.
The festival also features engaging workshops on herbal medicine and natural cosmetics. These sessions provide insights into the healing properties and practical uses of the region’s diverse plant life, appealing to those interested in wellness and natural remedies.
*Dates to follow
Yeşilüzümlü Mushroom and Dastar Festival
A vibrant annual celebration held at the end of April or early May* in the charming village of Yeşilüzümlü, located in the Fethiye district of Muğla.
This unique event showcases the region’s prized wild mushrooms, particularly the delicious kuzugöbeği (morel), and celebrates the traditional dastar handwoven fabric.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of mushroom-based dishes, attend workshops and exhibitions on local crafts, and witness the art of dastar weaving. The festival offers a perfect blend of gastronomy, culture, and heritage, attracting nature enthusiasts, food lovers, and those keen to explore the local traditions of this picturesque village.
*Dates to follow
Istanbul in April: the Tulip Festival
Every April since 2006, Istanbul has come alive with a breathtaking display of tulips as part of the city’s annual Tulip Festival. The city government plants millions of tulips in parks, avenues, roundabouts, and open spaces, transforming Istanbul into a vibrant sea of colour.
This celebration of spring showcases the beauty of tulips, a flower deeply rooted in Turkish culture and history. Throughout the month of April, visitors and residents alike can enjoy these dazzling blooms adorning the city, creating picture-perfect landscapes and a festive atmosphere.
Hıdırellez – Türkiye’s spring festival
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.
Hıdırellez is regarded as one of the most important seasonal festivals in both Türkiye and parts of the Middle East.
Called the Day of Hızır (Ruz-ı Hızır) in Türkiye, Hıdırellez is celebrated as the day on which the prophets Hızır (Al-Khdir) and Ilyas (Elijah) met on Earth.
It is believed that Hızır and Ilyas meet on earth only once every year. While Hızır helps and guides people who are in a difficult situation, and also brings abundance, Ilyas is believed to be the protector of the waters.
It is also believed that, as they symbolise abundance, everywhere they step turns green, and everything they touch becomes more fruitful or healed.
You can read more about Hıdırellez here:
Oil wrestling (yağlı güreş)
Oil wrestling, or yağlı güreş, is a beloved and traditional sport in Türkiye, with the renowned Edirne event being the prime location to experience this thrilling spectacle.
The 664th Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival will be held from 30th June to 6th July 2025, drawing wrestlers and spectators from all over the country to celebrate this unique and centuries-old tradition. Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling was awarded UNESCO Intangible Heritage Status in 2010.
Oil wrestling festivals are held in various locations throughout the summer months across Türkiye, including Seki and Kınık*
*Dates to follow
Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival 2025
The Roman Amphitheatre at Aspendos is renowned as one of the most ancient and magnificent amphitheatres in the world. Remarkably well-preserved thanks to meticulous conservation efforts, it stands as one of the few 2,000-year-old structures still in use today.
Since 1994, this iconic venue has hosted an annual International Opera and Ballet Festival during mid to late September (various dates*), featuring performances of the finest classical repertoire. The festival offers a unique blend of history and culture, bringing world-class opera and ballet to this timeless setting.
*Dates to follow
International Fethiye Ölüdeniz Air Games Festival
The International Fethiye Ölüdeniz Air Games Festival is held annually in October* bringing together athletes from nearly 60 countries for a thrilling celebration of air sports.
The event features breathtaking aerial displays that fill the skies with excitement, along with evenings packed with concerts and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Held in the stunning Ölüdeniz region, this festival is a must-see for thrill-seekers, families, and anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.
*Dates to follow
Rumi and Annual Whirling Dervish Festival
The Rumi and Annual Whirling Dervish Festival in Konya is a ten-day celebration from 7th to 17th December, the day of Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi’s passing, often referred to as his “wedding night”—the night he departed this earthly life and was united in love with the Divine.
During the festival, visitors can witness the mesmerising performance of the Whirling Dervishes, who spin in ceremonial dance, seeking inner peace and spiritual connection. This deeply moving event honours Rumi’s teachings and his profound relationship with the Divine, offering a unique and transformative experience for all who attend.
Recognised as one of Türkiye,’s most culturally significant festivals, it was awarded UNESCO Intangible Heritage Status in 2008.
Whether through music, dance, food, or ancient rituals, Türkiye’s cultural festivals are a testament to its enduring legacy and the warmth of its people, making them an essential part of any travel experience.
We will provide more details as they become available throughout the year.
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