Ever heard of or participated in an event with over a million spectators? Fair enough if you had done so before; for just in case you did not as of yet here is a not to be missed addition to your annual events A-list, Turkey made!
Three weeks on from today that nations fine southern metropolis of Adana, ever so inviting and welcoming, will host the seventh edition of its world famous International Orange Blossom Carnival. It is one of the country’s biggest large scale public events, combining the words ‘big’ and ‘large’ on purpose because it is absolutely justified.
Yes, there is always Rio de Janeiro, and there is most definitely Venice, and there is of course without any doubt Germany and there are for sure many other attractive locations such as undeniably London’s Notting Hill Gate Carnival to engage in a few hours, or days, of excitement and entertainment and so importantly with the entire family no matter gender or age. But if it comes to street carnivals in general including those mentioned above and away from the usual suspects Turkey has turned herself into a trademark destination, too.
And it all boils down to the organizers of Adana’s International Orange Blossom Carnival, by now in its seventh year. Following the carnival from its inception let me today share only a few pre-event impressions so that you may still be tempted to make your way down here for a simply wonderful early spring, sunny, warm weekend including visiting the wider region.
The carnival itself features amongst other activities opening and closing concerts by top singers and pop groups as well as folklore entertainers, a carnival band parade, street side concerts and performances, a number of art and cultural exhibitions and shows, dance performances and sports competitions, a fashion design awards ceremony, kiddies theater, games areas for youngsters to mention only a few top-class acts. The city center is decorated in green and orange, you will find high-class souvenirs and items only produced here in Adana. It is a happy event, meant to make people happy, too.
And this is just for starters… now one would need to consider the actual Street Carnival this year held on Saturday April 6 2019. This being the main event, it underlines what a wonderful, enterprising, welcoming, positively speaking contagious nation our Turkey is and always will be with Adana as a shining star!
Tickets are free of course for all local events so we only need to make our way down there. If we book early plane or coach ticket prices are rather reasonable. Hotels are a plenty, too. And why not take in the wider region with Gaziantep and Mersin and many famous seaside resorts dotted along the coast.
Your friendly columnist is more than happy to suggest itineraries and places to stay but all further details can easily be sourced from www.nisandaadanada.com. This year’s edition kicks off on April 3 with major events on the 6 and another action-filled day on Sunday 7. It is a laudable event where those who manage it take not a single penny in fees for their hard work. The only commercial aspect is that top-brand companies sponsor activities but never ever pay any of its voluntary (time) contributors. As we in Kusadasi know only too well of the benefits of voluntary social work (people in need, disabled neighbors, young people, animals… helped for by our many fine charities often run by our expat community) looking across the shoulder of others who do just the same someplace else in Turkey makes good sense to me.
Organizers would suggest hotels and sightseeing tours; alternatively, please feel free to email The Ege Eye and your columnist may add a few hopefully non-biased tips here and there.
Adana in full orange blossom mood, Turkey in full civil society blossom mood; you are more than welcome to join in.
Photographs courtesy of 'Message İletişim'
