The 5th Bornova Folk Dance Festival Kicked Off with a Vibrant Opening

Organized by the Bornova Municipality, the 5th Bornova Folk Dance Festival began with an enthusiastic opening ceremony in Büyükpark under the theme “The Rhythm of the Spoons.” Featuring cultural booths, workshops, an exhibition, a panel discussion, and a concert, the festival offered a colorful celebration of cultural heritage. Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the importance of folk dances in preserving cultural traditions. The festival will continue until June 7 with parades, folk dance performances, and a gala night.

The opening program of the festival took place in Büyükpark as part of the four-day event running from June 4–7, 2026. On the first day, cultural promotion stands, workshops, exhibitions, talks, and concerts attracted significant public interest.

A Full and Exciting First Day

The festival, under the Artistic Direction of Tansu Akarsu and Project Coordination of Lecturer M. Aykut Mis, welcomed visitors with cultural promotion stands on its opening day.

The “Spoon Playing and Painting Workshop” drew particular interest from children and young people. This was followed by the opening of the “Oil Painting Spoon Art Exhibition,” which brought together art enthusiasts. The official inauguration of the cultural promotion stands also took place on the same day.

In the evening, the “Traditional Spoon Dance Traditions” talk was held at the Uğur Mumcu Culture and Arts Center. Moderated by retired lecturer Abdurrahim Karademir, the session featured speakers Yağmur Öztürk and Koray Aran, who discussed the cultural heritage of traditional folk dances.

The day concluded with the “Kaside Havaları Concert” at the Ayfer Feray Open-Air Theater, performed by the Bornova Municipality NGO Choir and Women’s Choir under the direction of conductor Selda Kesgi, offering the audience a memorable musical evening.

Ömer Eşki: “We Are Carrying Our Cultural Heritage into the Future”

Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated that folk dances reflect the shared memory of Anatolia:

“Folk dances are not merely performances; they are among the strongest expressions of our culture, solidarity, and collective history. With our goal of making Bornova a center of art and culture, we will continue to preserve our traditions and pass them on to future generations.”

Festival Continues Through Sunday

Friday, June 5

• 12:00 PM – Cultural Promotion Stands & Oil Painting Spoon Art Exhibition – Büyükpark
• 3:00 PM – Spoon Playing and Painting Workshop – Büyükpark
• 7:30 PM – Brass Band Parade – In front of Uğur Mumcu Culture and Arts Center
• 9:00 PM – Folk Dance Performances – Ayfer Feray Open-Air Theater

Saturday, June 6

• 12:00 PM – Cultural Promotion Stands & Oil Painting Spoon Art Exhibition – Büyükpark
• 3:00 PM – Spoon Playing and Painting Workshop – Büyükpark
• 9:00 PM – Folk Dance Performances – Çamdibi Atatürk Park

Sunday, June 7 – Gala Night

• 8:30 PM – Folk Dance Performances – Büyükpark

Guest Ensemble: Kepez Municipality Folk Dance Group.