Cultural unity and solidarity shine at “Welcome Winter” festival in Yassıören
The traditional “Welcome Winter Cultural Festival and Charity Bazaar” was held once again in the village of Yassıören, near Xanthi (İskeçe), bringing together residents from across the region for a day of community, culture, and celebration.
Organized by the Yassıören Sports, Culture and Education Association, the event drew strong participation from locals and guests alike.
Among the attendees were Mufti of İskeçe Mustafa Trampa, Mayor of Mustafçova Ahmet Kurt, President of the Xanthi Turkish Union Kerem Abdurrahimoğlu, and Deputy Chairman of the FEP Party Bahri Belço.
Folk Dances and Music Performances
The festival opened in the village square with folk dance performances by the İskeçe Turkish Union’s folklore teams, delighting spectators with traditional moves and costumes. The festivities continued with a concert by Turkish folk singer Özcan Kalfa and his ensemble, offering the audience an unforgettable musical experience celebrating Turkish cultural heritage.
Charity Bazaar Showcases Local Products
A bazaar featuring traditional homemade goods attracted great interest. Visitors enjoyed a variety of local delicacies including tarhana soup mix, aşure (Noah’s pudding), pickles, pepper and tomato paste, baklava, roasted peppers, and the village’s signature Yassıören pita. Handmade crafts and foods prepared by village women were particularly appreciated by visitors.
A Message of Gratitude and Togetherness
Sharing his impressions on social media, Mufti Mustafa Trampa wrote:
“We started the day by attending the traditional ‘Welcome Winter’ event organized by the Yassıören Sports, Culture and Education Association. We thank Turkish folk artist Özcan Kalfa and his team for keeping our traditional songs alive on stage. May God bless all who contributed to this good cause. We are grateful to the people of Yassıören for their invitation and hospitality.”
The “Welcome Winter” event once again demonstrated the spirit of unity, solidarity, and cultural preservation that defines Yassıören. Organizers emphasized the importance of such gatherings in keeping local traditions alive and strengthening community bonds.
