Hıdırellez, an annual festival in Türkiye, marks the arrival of spring and is believed to bring good fortune to participants. The event has a long history in the region and is currently a candidate for UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
Celebrations typically take place on May 5-6, with some of the largest gatherings held in İstanbul and Edirne. Smaller towns and villages also observe Hıdırellez in early May, each adding their own local traditions.
The festival commemorates the meeting of the Prophets Hizir (Khidr) and Ilyas (Elijah) on Earth. While Hıdırellez is widely celebrated throughout Türkiye, similar festivals are observed across the Turkic world as well as in Bulgaria, Georgia, and the Balkans. Historically, seasonal celebrations have taken place across Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Persia, and other Mediterranean societies.
One notable tradition during Hıdırellez involves leaping over a fire pit three times while reciting incantations or rhymes. This ritual is thought to protect against illness in the coming year. In addition to fire leaping, some communities encourage bathing in nearby water sources as a way to promote good health by cleansing impurities—a practice especially common in smaller towns or along riverbanks such as those in Edirne.
Other customs include writing wishes for the future and sending them into rivers or seas as offerings. Feasting on lamb meat—considered healthy due to its natural upbringing—is another widespread tradition at these festivals across Türkiye. At home, many people undertake thorough spring cleaning during Hıdırellez to remove bad luck and prepare for new opportunities brought by the season.
The festival brings together people from various backgrounds to celebrate renewal and new beginnings.