Hıdırellez — one of Turkey's most beloved folk festivals — welcomes spring on the night of May 5 into May 6, with the main day falling on Thursday, May 6, 2027. Watch the time remaining on our live Hıdırellez countdown.
When is Hıdırellez?
Hıdırellez is fixed to May 6 each year, with festivities beginning the evening before, on May 5. In the traditional folk calendar, May 6 opens the warm "Days of Hızır" that run until November 8, so the festival marks the symbolic start of summer as much as the arrival of spring.
What does Hıdırellez celebrate?
The name blends Hızır (Al-Khidr) and İlyas (Elijah), two immortal figures of folk belief said to meet on Earth on this night — Hızır bringing help and abundance on land, İlyas watching over the waters. Everywhere they step is said to turn green and fruitful, which is why the festival is tied to renewal, healing and good fortune. UNESCO inscribed the spring celebration of Hıdırellez on its list of intangible cultural heritage in 2017.
Hıdırellez traditions
- Writing wishes — hopes for a house, a car or a marriage are drawn or written and tied to a rose bush or left by water.
- Jumping over bonfires for luck, health and protection through the year.
- Picnics and gatherings in green spaces and beside rivers.
- Floating wishes on running water to carry them to Hızır.
- Spring cleaning of homes and clothes to welcome abundance.
Count down to Hıdırellez
See the days, hours and minutes ticking down on the live Hıdırellez countdown. You can also explore more of Turkey's calendar, from Youth and Sports Day in May to Republic Day in October — or make your own countdown to a date that matters to you.