The spring festival in South Evros
The compatriots living in the Southern Evros (Meriç) region met at the Hıdırellez and Spring Festival held on May 14 -15, and welcomed the spring with many activities.
Hıdırellez and Spring Festival, organized by the Southern Evros (Meriç) Education and Culture Association of the Western Thrace Minority, started on Saturday, 14 May 2022, in Musaköy.
Western Thrace Minority South Evros (Meriç) Education and Culture Association President Hüseyin Mahmut and Honorary President Bekir Mustafaoğlu, The Consul General of Komotini Murat Ömeroğlu, retired teachers, the President of the Büyük Müsellim Culture and Folklore Association Seher Ahmet, hundreds of cognates from the surrounding villages attended to the event.
The “Ebru” exhibition prepared by the marbling artist Berna Mustafaoğlu and her students was opened after that, the protocol speeches were made.
Bekir Mustafaoğlu, Honorary President of the Western Thrace Minority Southern Evros (Meriç) Education and Culture Association, said in his short speech. “I think that a task we started 15 years ago has not ended.In association, the duty does not end but there is a changing of the guard. That's why we will always be together. We struggle to introduce our culture and customs to our children. That is why we have prepared very nice places for our children.” he said.
Stating that Hıdırellez is celebrated with enthusiasm all over Western Thrace, Murat Ömeroğlu, Consul General of Komotini, said, “At the beginning of May, Hıdrellez also celebrated in the Aegean by making fires.
I was excited to see the traditions we lived there again here. I am also pleased that you are here today, united and together, and to be a part of this excitement. I wish success to the new management in their work.” said.
In the continuation of the event, the sketches prepared by the Southern Evros (Meriç) Association students were exhibited, and the Dinkler Hanımeli Association presented a folk dance show.
The folk songs performed by the Bulgarian “Friends” group were appreciated by the participants.
After the plaque presentation, the Spring Festivals ended with a picnic held in the “Palamutluk” area near Musaköy on 15 May.
