Turkey Festivals and Events Calendar: Month-by-Month Guide for Travelers
Travelers can plan their trips using the Turkey festivals and events calendar, which allows them to experience Turkey through traditional and seasonal celebrations of the Turkish culture, food, and music, as well as the ancient and modern festivals. Understanding the major festivals in Turkey by month helps the traveler determine the best time to visit and eliminates any uncertainties regarding the timing of their trip.
January – Fresh Start Celebrations
January begins quietly on the Turkey festivals and events calendar with New Year’s Eve celebrations in Istanbul and Ankara and the entire country. Fireworks, concerts, and public gatherings welcome the upcoming year. Most of the outdoor festivals are limited by winter weather; however, in addition to experiencing winter, visitors will have the opportunity to gain insight into how life is lived in modern Turkish cities.
February & March—Cultural Spring Previews
Cultural events that have started to become available to visitors in January and February are set to provide a preview of the cultural influence on the Turkey festivals and events calendar. This two-month time frame begins with the Mesir Paste Festival in Manisa, which dates back to ancient times, celebrating renewal and health, and a number of film and art-related events in large cities.
April—Flowers and Performances
April is one of the most visually striking periods in the Turkey festivals and events calendar. We are fortunate to have several stunning festivals in this month! The Istanbul Tulip Festival is visually breathtaking and represents the rich history of the Ottoman Empire. The Orange Blossom Festival held in Adana provides a carnival atmosphere with colourful floats, parade-style music, and lots of tasty foods, making April a favorite month when reviewing the major festivals in Turkey by month.
May—Spring Traditions and Music
In May we can celebrate both the traditional Hidirellez Spring Celebration with its many bonfire celebrations and traditional Turkish folk rituals, as well as the ever-expanding number of Classical Music Events being held throughout Turkey. May has become a significant month in the Turkey festivals and events calendar, as it further demonstrates the variety of cultural offerings available during major festivals in Turkey by month.
June & July—Summer Peaks
Summer is the highest activity period for the Turkey festivals and events calendar. The Istanbul Jazz Festival has gained the attention of world-renowned jazz musicians, which has made it an international event. The Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival held in Edirne has a history of over 650 years and has established itself as one of the oldest major festivals in Turkey by month
August & September—Fairgrounds and Fairs
The month of August is known for the incredible hot air balloon festivals held in Cappadocia, while September marks the commencement of the International İzmir Fair. Both festivals are a unique blend of tourism, culture, and entertainment that have been established as major festivals in Turkey by month and attract visitors from around the world.
October to December—Autumn & Winter Festivities
The Turkey festivals and events calendar has regional harvest festivals during the months of October through December. In Konya, during December, the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes festival takes place, which is considered one of the major festivals in Turkey by month; this event provides a chance to reflect on your year’s end.
The tour to Turkey festivals and events calendar allows travelers to experience Turkey’s culture at its highest level. By knowing the major festivals in Turkey by month, travelers are able to plan better trips and gain a greater appreciation for what turkey has to offer, as well as developing a stronger connection to the heritage of turkey, over the course of the year
