The Parade Featuring Costumes and Dances from 62 Countries Brought the Spirit of Carnival to Büyükçekmece

The traditional parade of the 27th International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival, which opened its doors for the 27th time, became a magnificent celebration where different cultures came together.

A total of 650 ambassadors of culture and art from 62 countries added colour to the parade with their traditional costumes and music, while the people of Büyükçekmece also took part wearing specially designed costumes inspired by this year's theme, "Freedom." The parade brought together diverse cultures through dance performances and artistic displays. Children's folk dance performances, puppet shows, stilt walkers in illuminated costumes and colourful dance groups created unforgettable moments for spectators. Held in an atmosphere of great enthusiasm, the parade delivered a spectacular visual feast reminiscent of the Rio Carnival.

As every year, the festival programme also features the International Handicrafts Workshop, the International Altınköprü Folk Dance Competition, the International Sculpture Symposium, and the International Photography Competition.

The Parade Became a Showcase of World Cultures

Dancers from different parts of the world left a lasting impression on the parade with their traditional costumes and performances representing their respective countries. Bringing together diverse cultures along the same streets, the parade became a showcase of the world's cultural diversity.

This year's parade, organised under the theme of "Freedom," also featured the people of Büyükçekmece in specially designed costumes. Citizens of all ages participated in the procession, while the enthusiasm of children, young people and families created colourful scenes throughout the event.

Beginning at Albatros Beach, the parade continued along its route with enthusiastic support from local residents. Local shopkeepers also joined the celebrations by welcoming the procession with confetti and flares, sharing in the excitement of the festival.

Enthusiasm Reached Its Peak at the International Festival

The International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival, which has been held uninterruptedly for 27 years and has been honoured twelve times with the title of the "World's Best Culture and Art Festival" by international organizations, began this year's celebrations with great enthusiasm.

Among those attending the parade along the Büyükçekmece waterfront were the Acting Mayor of Büyükçekmece, Hakan Çebi, and his wife, Nalan Çebi; Süleyman Çelebi, CHP Member of Parliament of the 24th Term; Habil Dökmeci, Mayor of Sivrihisar; H. Gürhan Ozanoğlu, Co-President of FIDAF and Vice Chairman of the Festival Committee; municipal council members; deputy mayors; and mayoral advisors.

Hakan Çebi: "We Invite All of Istanbul to Our Festival Where Cultures Meet"

Speaking during the traditional parade held as part of the 27th International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival, the Acting Mayor of Büyükçekmece, Hakan Çebi, invited all Istanbul residents to this celebration of culture and art, saying:

"We officially launched the 27th International Istanbul Büyükçekmece Culture and Art Festival by laying a wreath at the Republic Monument in Taksim Square. Today, we are holding our traditional parade. It is a magnificent parade, and it will be a magnificent festival. I invite everyone in Istanbul to join us at our festival."