The International Orange Blossom Carnival is one of the most hilarious carnivals in Turkey. Organizers were planning to hold the carnival for the eighth time this year in the southern province of Adana. But, local authority cancelled the orange blossom carnival due to the coronavirus epidemic. Locals, nevertheless, celebrated the carnival from their balconies in spite of the coronavirus pandemic.
Every year, more than 100 activities take place within the scope of the carnival. (Photo: Yeniden Tur)
As every year, more than 100 activities take place within the scope of the carnival. For example, street entertainments and dance performances are the most popular ones. Moreover, concerts, sports events and open-air parties also have their fans.
The Virus Makes Its Effect All Over the World
However, coronavirus (COVID-19) makes its effect in all over the world, just like it does in Turkey. Therefore, Turkish authorities have either cancelled or postponed all social activities in Turkey due to the pandemic. Because the pandemic 2020 turns the world upside and down. But the organizing committee invited Adana’s residents to celebrate the orange blossom carnival from their balconies. And so the residents of Adana gladly accepted this invitation and rushed into their balconies.
The people of Adana gathered in their balconies for this year’s orange blossom carnival. (Photo: Cumhuriyet)
So, upon the invitation of the organizing committee, residents took place in their balconies at the planned start time of the carnival. Subsequently, they all prepared for the revelry from afar. The residents had fun by singing and dancing with the music of Adana Metropolitan Municipality’s marching band. They intentionally tried to distract the onlookers from the pandemic for a few minutes.
Social Solidarity and Happiness Against Coronavirus
Band chief Güntekin Agün said that they want to make people happy. As they try to overcome these hard times with the celebration of the carnival. It is a bold signature annual event for the residents of the city.
One resident, Selim Ağaçdalı, said that the local authority cancelled the festival, which they celebrate with excitement every year. However, the people of Adana have found a solution, as they always do. That means the people of Adana always find a way to have fun, even during these dark times.
Tens-of-thousands-of-people flood to Adana’s streets to celebrate the Orange Bloom Festival. (Photo: Sabah)
Gözde Nerk, another resident who said that she was extremely excited when she heard the music. She explicitly added that the festival had lifted her spirits at a time when the coronavirus was upsetting her.
What is the Origin of The Orange Blossom Carnival?
The Orange Blossom Carnival marks the arrival of the blossom scent. So, the scent covers the orange treelined streets of the city during early April every year. The simple slogan of the carnival is “Nisan’ da Adana’da” (In Adana In April). It is one of the first annual carnivals in Turkey.
The slogan of Orange Blossom Carnival is In April In Adana. (Photo: Adanacar)
Meanwhile, some of the carnival celebrations occur as planned large-scale events. However, others are simply spontaneous street celebrations. Here are some statistics for the carnival:
- The inaugural carnival took place April 12–14, 2013. Fifteen thousand people joined in the processions.
- The second event took place on April 11–14, 2014.
- The carnival in 2015 took place on April 4–6. The carnival parade attracted more than 90 thousand people. It was the highest attendance ever in an outdoor event in Adana.
Short in a long story, we would like to repeat the call for “stay home” once again as doyouknowturkey team. Staying home, washing hands carefully, and considering the personnel cleanness are very valuable precautions in these days. Hopefully, sooner or later, these dark days will pass by. Take care of yourself until then!