Folk Dance Groups of ITB and GTGB perform at Hıdırellez Spring Festival in North Macedonia
Representing Western Thrace, the groups performed during the festival, which took place on May 3–4, 2025. This annual event is known as the first officially recognized Turkish festival in North Macedonia and has grown into a significant international cultural gathering.
On Saturday, May 3, the ITB Folk Dance Group took the stage during the opening ceremony under the direction of Tülin Hacıhalil and Gökhan Mustafa. The ceremony was attended by notable guests, including Turkish Ambassador to Skopje Fatih Ulusoy, TIKA Vice President Mahmut Çevik, NGO representatives, folk dance groups from various Balkan countries, and numerous senior officials from North Macedonia.
The opening ceremony drew thousands of participants from the local community and neighboring Balkan nations.
Performance at Ustrumca Square
Later that evening, both ITB and GTGB folk dance groups delivered vibrant performances in Ustrumca Square, delighting spectators with traditional dances from Western Thrace.
On Sunday, May 4, the ITB Folk Dance Group also performed during the festival’s closing ceremony in Çalıklı village, receiving widespread appreciation from the audience.
At the conclusion of the event, a gift exchange took place between the groups and Festival President Associate Professor Dr. Şenol Tahir, marking the occasion with mutual goodwill.
The ITB and GTGB delegations returned to Greece on Sunday evening after completing their successful participation in the festival.
