Festivals?

[zoe_clark]

Hi everyone. Me & my boyfriend are coming back to icmeler on the 24th of april till the 9th of may. We just wanted to know if there are any festivals on at this time of year or anything similar?

Thanks

[madmackem]

We stayed in Icmeler the first 2 weeks in April a couple of years ago and were luck enough to be there when they celibrated Childrens day, all the kids were dressed up there were marching bands and singing it was a great sight. Dont know what date it is year but you might be lucky.

Elaine and Peter

[madnesstiger]

Thanks for that, pet!

Have used your info, and found out this on good ol' Wiki...

In Turkey, Children's Day has been celebrated on April 23 since 1935. It originated from the first gathering of Grand National Assembly on April 23, 1920, during the Turkish Independence War.

After the Ottomans were defeated during World War I, Turkish land had been occupied by other European countries such as England, Italy and France. Ataturk, an Ottoman commander, broke his ties with the dying Empire and started the war for independence against Allied forces and the old Ottoman regime. After years of fighting Turkey won full independence.

Turks consider Ataturk to be "The Father of Modern Turkey". After the war, Ataturk refused the role of Sultan or King and established a modern Republic instead. He gifted April 23 to the children for the country, so that they would cherish the independence that cost so much, but at the same time walk the path of "Peace at Home, Peace in the World"

On April 23 children from around the world come to Turkey. They are hosted by families who have children of a similar age. Festivities last over a week and the visiting and Turkish children spend a lot of time together. Many children, often not even speaking the same language, create lifelong friendships. Several of the events are broadcast on television, showing the children in their traditional national outfits, dancing singing and exchanging gifts. The United Nations participates the events.

Every year on April 23, the seats of Parliament are held by children, and a child becomes President for a day. The child President delivers a speech on national television.

Just a shame that the first day of our holiday will be the 25th

[JT]

As no one else has yet mentioned it there is a youth sports day on the 19th May and the last 2 years there have been female marching bands from all over as in Hungary, Bulgaria, Russian etc.

In the evening the kids are out with their marching bands and they have a big party in the square

[madmackem]

Hi madnesstiger, glad to help. Your info says that Childrens Day is on the 23rd April every year, I have just checked our passports as I thought I may have got the dates of our April 2007 holiday wrong, I dont know what happened that year but Childrens Day definatly took place on the 20th April we stood on the balcony of the Bella Mare Hotel over looking the square, It was the day we were leaving.
Maybe Rami can confirm this, I hate to give miss leading info.

Elaine and Peter

Less than 10 weeks to go YIPEE

[madnesstiger]

lol.. I only went by what Wikipedia says

It's the first I've heard of it, but sounds like a great festival for kids and grown-ups alike.