Traditional Hıdrellez Festival celebrated with enthusiasm in Ilıca village
The traditional Hıdrellez Festival organized jointly by the İskeçe Turkish Union and the Mustafçova Municipality was held on May 6, 2026, in the village of Ilıca with strong public participation and a festive atmosphere.
The event brought together members of the Western Thrace Turkish Minority to celebrate the arrival of spring through longstanding cultural traditions rooted across the Balkans and Central Asia.
In a statement following the festival, the İskeçe Turkish Union thanked everyone who contributed to the organization of the annual event, emphasizing that the celebration once again attracted large crowds and widespread enthusiasm.
The Turkish Consulate General in Komotini also issued a statement congratulating the organizers and highlighting the strong turnout at the festival held in Ilıca.
The celebrations began at 5:00 p.m. local time and drew numerous guests from across the region. Among those attending were Aykut Ünal, Mustafa Trampa, Burhan Baran, Ahmet Kurt, Çiğdem Asafoğlu, and Salih Yörük.
The program was hosted by İTB Secretary General İpek Salihoğlu. During the opening speech, İskeçe Turkish Union President Kerem Abdurrahimoğlu highlighted the cultural significance of Hıdrellez, describing it as one of the most meaningful celebrations reflecting the enduring bond between Turkish communities and nature from Central Asia to the Balkans.
Additional remarks were delivered by Mayor Ahmet Kurt, FEP Party leader Çiğdem Asafoğlu, BTTADK Chairman Mustafa Trampa, and Consul General Aykut Ünal, all of whom emphasized unity, solidarity, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
The festival also featured performances by İskeçe Turkish Union music and folk dance groups. Musical ensembles led by Süleyman Kara and Merve Kara performed live concerts, while folk dance teams directed by Tülin Hacıhalil and Gökhan Mustafa received strong applause from attendees. A reenactment of traditional Hıdrellez rituals became one of the most popular moments of the evening.
The celebration concluded in a vibrant atmosphere marked by cultural expression, community solidarity, and the preservation of Western Thrace Turkish traditions.
