Adana launches Türkiye’s Culture Route Festival with 13th International Orange Blossom Carnival
People fill the streets to watch the costume parade during the 13th International Orange Blossom Carnival, featuring colorful inflatable characters and festive confetti in Adana, Türkiye, April 5, 2025. (AA Photo)
Türkiye’s most ambitious cultural event, the Türkiye Culture Route Festival, has kicked off its 2025 season in Adana with the dazzling 13th International Orange Blossom Carnival.
The southern city, already known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich culinary traditions, has become the heart of a cultural explosion that blends heritage, music, art, and springtime festivities.
The opening ceremony was held at the Adana Museum Complex, where Governor Yavuz Selim Kosger described the city as “a capital of festivals and cultural events.” He highlighted the collaboration between the Orange Blossom Carnival and the Türkiye Culture Route Festival, stating, “We are hosting a festival full of life. Over the next nine days, Adana will offer a packed schedule of activities, concerts, and exhibitions.”
Cultural bridge from past to present
The Türkiye Culture Route Festival, now in its fifth year, is a vision project initiated by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. Selim Terzi, general director of Living Heritage and Cultural Events and the festival’s director, emphasized the growing significance of the event both nationally and internationally.
“This is our first stop this year, and it’s a very valuable one,” Terzi said. “From concerts to traditional arts, digital exhibitions to workshops, the festival embraces all age groups. It’s a cultural bridge that connects generations and keeps our living heritage alive.”
Visitors in Adana had the chance to explore curated exhibitions, including Spring Blossoms and Old Photographs of Adana, Morning Coffee and the Rising History of Misis, Pablo Picasso: Creation is Everything, and Carpana and Miniatures of Türkiye. Hundreds of artists and performers are scheduled to take part in the festival, which will travel to 20 cities across Türkiye until Nov. 9.
Colorful parade fills streets with spring spirit
One of the most iconic highlights of the celebration was the traditional Costume Parade of the Orange Blossom Carnival. Thousands of visitors lined Ataturk Avenue to witness the vibrant spectacle featuring dancers, models in elaborate floral-themed outfits, motorcycle groups, and street performers.
The parade followed a lively route through Cumhuriyet Street and Ziyapasa Boulevard, ending at Ugur Mumcu Square, where the city pulsed with energy. Live music groups kept spirits high, and the Costume Parade Contest crowned the most creative participants with awards.
Adana shines on world stage with International Orange Blossom Carnival
Adana Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Zeydan Karalar underscored the importance of the carnival in promoting the city’s cultural identity. “Adana has become known worldwide thanks to this event,” Karalar said. “This carnival has carried our warmth, hospitality, and creativity to global audiences.”
He credited the success of the carnival to its founder, Ali Haydar Bozkurt, saying, “Ten years ago, people didn’t associate Adana with such beauty. Now, hundreds of thousands attend annually.”
Bozkurt, who is also chairman of the Carnival Committee, said the event was designed as a legacy for future generations. “We may not be here a century from now, but the orange blossoms will keep blooming, and this carnival will continue to bring people together.”
In a symbolic gesture, children rang the official carnival gong, marking the opening of the festivities. The day ended with a high-energy performance by Turkish pop star Simge, adding a musical finale to the city’s vibrant celebration.
