The Hıdırellez celebrations, the harbinger of spring, continued with all its enthusiasm on the second day in İzmir. The picnic and various events organized at Kültürpark, hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, provided an enjoyable day for the people of İzmir. While the park became the scene of colorful scenes, both adults and children enjoyed the joy of Hıdırellez to their hearts' content.
Festive Atmosphere in Kültürpark
The Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Social Services Department has prepared various fun activities for children experiencing the Hıdırellez excitement at Kültürpark. While the inflatable playgrounds echoed with the laughter of the little ones, they had the opportunity to express their creativity at various workshop stands. In addition, the refreshment vehicles that continued throughout the day accompanied the enjoyable moments of the participants. The Mobile Stage established by the Cultural and Social Services Department provided moments full of music. Citizens danced and had fun to their heart's content with the lively 9/8 songs of Izmir artist Birol. The Mobile Library established in the celebration area also provided the people of Izmir with the opportunity to meet with books.
Children Had Fun in the Workshops, Adults Had Fun with the Novel Atmosphere
Iranian Sima Gökten, who attended the workshops with her 4-year-old daughter Ela Gökten, expressed her satisfaction with the event and said, “I brought my daughter to Kültürpark for her to have fun. She loves the coloring activities. We attended the Hıdırellez events yesterday and we really enjoyed it.” Berivan Öncü and Damla Çalık, from İzmir, stated that their day was great and they had a great time accompanied by the Roman atmosphere, and expressed that they experienced the excitement of Hıdırellez.
Enjoy a Concert on the Mobile Stage
Serap Abakay, who attended the concert held at the Gezici Sahne after the picnic held at Kültürpark, said that the Hıdırellez celebrations were full, and said, “We are having a great day. We made our wishes on Hıdırellez, we played games. We are very happy, we are having a picnic. Yesterday we had fun, we jumped over the fire. Today we came for a picnic and played games in the concert area.” Abakay expressed her happiness of experiencing the Hıdırellez traditions and sharing this excitement with the people of İzmir.
“Enjoyable and Exciting Moments Are Experienced in a Wide Area”
Instructor Eylem Sürer, who works at the Child Studies and Education Support Department, emphasized that Hıdırellez is an important tradition that has come down from the past to the present, and said, “Hıdırellez is a tradition that has come down from the past to the present. It is important and valuable that it is still kept alive. Here, there are concerts on one side and areas where children can play on the other. There are refreshments and plenty of children's workshops. We see that there is a lot of interest. With the entertainment held the day before and the picnic held today, we provide an opportunity for people to get together. Pleasant and enthusiastic times are spent in a large area.” Sürer stated that the event brings people from different age groups together and keeps the spirit of Hıdırellez alive. These events organized by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality played an important role in celebrating the arrival of spring and strengthening social solidarity.
