Spring’s Here: Celebrations Around the World
Dr. Gonca Aslan
Board Member | Director of Business Development and Corporate Affairs | Asmira Group
Spring in Turkey
In Turkey, spring is welcomed with great enthusiasm through the celebration of Nevruz. This festival, celebrated on March 21st, symbolizes the beginning of spring and the awakening of nature. People dance in traditional attire, prepare special foods, and organize colorful events in the streets.
Another significant celebration in our country is H?d?rellez, which takes place on the night of May 5th to May 6th. This festival is also recognized by Christians as the first day of nature's awakening, celebrated as Saint George's Day. One of the most famous traditions of H?d?rellez involves people writing or drawing their wishes and burying or hanging them under a rose tree. In certain places, large bonfires are lit, and people jump over them; entire neighborhoods come together to play various street games. In essence, no matter which tradition you follow to celebrate the arrival of spring, I am sure you will have a great time in Turkey.
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Montenegro: Mimosas and Eggs
Montenegro, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and special festivals, hosts the Mimosa Festival to celebrate the arrival of spring. This festival captures attention with its vibrant cities adorned with colorful flowers and energetic events. Taking place towards the end of March each year, the festival is particularly embraced with great enthusiasm in the southern coastal cities of Montenegro. Mimosa trees transform the streets into a springtime canvas with their yellow blooms. The Mimosa Festival not only marks the awakening of nature but also emphasizes themes of unity and love. Concerts, street performances, and craft exhibitions organized during the festival bring together the local community and visitors alike.
On the other hand, Easter is of great significance in Montenegro. This religious and cultural holiday, usually falling in April, is celebrated with great fervor by Christian communities. In Montenegro's cities, especially in historic areas like Cetinje and Kotor, Easter rituals and traditional celebrations take place. During this period, colorful eggs, special cakes, and traditional dishes adorn the tables, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Croatia: Asparagus and Lavander
Croatia is the home for a wide range of spring festivals and celebrations. One of the most iconic spring festivals is the Zagreb Festival of Lights, held in the capital city of Zagreb. In Zagreb, the urban landscape transforms into an artistic spectacle as innovative light projection techniques are employed to adorn the city with a luminous palette. The historic core comes alive with vibrant and whimsical imagery, while awe-inspiring light installations and concepts enchant visitors throughout the city.
In Istria, the region known for its stunning coastline and picturesque towns, the arrival of spring is celebrated with the Istrian Asparagus Festival. This gastronomic event pays homage to the wild asparagus that grows abundantly in the region. Visitors can indulge in a variety of dishes featuring this seasonal delicacy, from creamy risottos to savory omelets, while enjoying live music and entertainment. And on the island of Hvar, the annual Lavender Festival takes center stage as fields burst into fragrant blooms. This botanical spectacle attracts visitors from near and far, eager to witness the lavender harvest and participate in workshops showcasing the plant's culinary and medicinal uses. The festival culminates in a colorful parade through the streets of Hvar Town, with locals and tourists alike donning traditional costumes and dancing to traditional music.
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Slovenia: Cherry Blossoms, Art and Cuisine
Spring in Slovenia brings a burst of color and energy as the country awakens from its winter slumber. One of the most beloved spring festivals in Slovenia is the Kurentovanje, held in Ptuj, the country's oldest town. This traditional carnival dates back centuries and is characterized by colorful parades, masked processions, and lively street performances. The star of the festival is the Kurent, a mythical creature adorned with sheepskin, bells, and a towering headpiece, believed to ward off winter and usher in spring. In the capital city of Ljubljana, the arrival of spring is celebrated with the Ljubljana Festival, a cultural extravaganza that showcases music, theater, dance, and visual arts. From classical concerts in historic venues to contemporary performances in open-air theaters, the festival offers something for every artistic taste. The arrival of spring in Slovenia also marks the beginning of the cherry blossom season. The town of Gornja Radgona, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Pomurje region, hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival, where visitors can stroll through orchards bursting with delicate pink blooms and enjoy traditional Slovenian cuisine and music.
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