The festivities kicked off with the lighting of the grand Kakava fire in Edirne for the traditional Hıdrellez and Kakava Festivals. Thousands of people gathered around the fire, first leaping over the flames to make wishes, then dancing to the tunes of Romani music, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
This year’s Kakava and Hıdırellez Festivals in Edirne, held on May 4th, 5th, and 6th, commenced with a procession followed by the ceremonial lighting of the fire in Sarayiçi, attended by Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer, some politicians, many domestic and foreign tourists, as well as residents of Edirne.
It’s estimated that around 70,000 people from both domestic and international locations attended the festivities. The vibrant crowd, adorned in colorful attire, first danced around the fire to the rhythm of 9/8 music, then made wishes before leaping over the burning embers. Complimentary rice and buttermilk were served to participants. Thousands reveled to their hearts’ content at the Kakava Festival. The celebrations continued with local dance groups and artists performing concerts.
WHAT IS THE KAKAVA FESTIVAL?
The Kakava and Hıdırellez Festivals are believed to be a 1400-year-old tradition of the Rom (gypsy) people. This celebration, held by the banks of the Tunca River, will continue until the first light of dawn accompanied by music. People will join in the festivities, dancing and enjoying themselves.
Before sunrise, those who come to the riverbank will make wishes, wash their faces with the river water, and then hang tree branches on their doorways for a prosperous year. On the other hand, it’s known that the gypsy girls of marriageable age, clad in bridal attire, come to the riverbank to make wishes for a good spouse before the sunrise.
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