The 5th Folk Dance Festival Concluded with a Spectacular Gala Night

The Folk Dance Festival, which has become a tradition in Bornova and is organized by the Bornova Municipality, was held for the fifth time this year. Taking place between June 4–7, 2026, the festival brought Yörük-Turkmen culture and the deep-rooted dance traditions of Anatolia to the streets of Bornova under the theme “The Rhythm of the Spoons.”

Offering four days filled with culture, art, and excitement, the 5th Bornova Folk Dance Festival turned into a visual feast through events held at Büyükpark, Ayfer Feray Open-Air Theatre, and Çamdibi Atatürk Park. Throughout the festival, cultural promotion stands, exhibitions, workshops, and talks attracted great interest from residents of İzmir.

Emphasis on Democracy and Culture

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki, who attended the gala night with his family, highlighted the importance of multiculturalism and unity in his speech on stage. Noting that this was the third festival organized during his term, Mayor Eşki said:

“In the first year, we featured Black Sea folk dances; last year, it was halay dances. This year, we are celebrating spoon dances, which are primarily rooted in the Yörük-Turkmen tradition. Every region and every culture in Türkiye is beautiful. I hope we can continue the democratic struggle that has been ongoing for 150 years without interruption, so that this multicultural richness can endure. May we all reach the days when we crown these beauties with democracy.”

A Cultural Bridge from Kepez to Bornova

This year’s guest of honor was Kepez Municipality of Antalya. Mayor Eşki expressed his pleasure in welcoming Kepez Mayor Mesut Kocagöz and his delegation to Bornova and thanked all participating groups. The performance by the Kepez Municipality Folk Dance Ensemble at Ayfer Feray Open-Air Theatre received enthusiastic applause from the audience.

A Four-Day Celebration of Culture

The festival began on Thursday, June 4, with the opening of cultural stands in Büyükpark, the talk titled “Traditional Spoon Dances,” and the lively “Spoon Tunes Concert.” Events continued on Friday, June 5, and reached their peak over the weekend with the “Oil Painting Spoon Art Exhibition,” “Spoon Playing and Painting Workshops,” and folk dance performances. The festival concluded on Sunday, June 7, with a magnificent Gala Night held at Ayfer Feray Open-Air Theatre.