29.04.2026 08:35
In Edirne, the reservation occupancy rate of hotels reached 100 percent before the Kakava and Hıdrellez Festivals, which are on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and will be celebrated on May 5-6.
Mobility in Edirne's accommodation sector continues ahead of the Kakava and Hıdrellez Festivals, which were inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2017 through the joint initiatives of Turkey and North Macedonia.
HOTEL RESERVATION OCCUPANCY RATE REACHES 100 PERCENT Before the event, known as the 'Spring Festival' among the public, to be celebrated in the city on May 5-6, hotel reservation occupancy rates have reached 100 percent. As part of the organization, citizens in Edirne's streets have begun wearing traditional costumes and inviting people to the festival with drum and zurna accompaniment.
“IT WILL BE CELEBRATED WITH GREAT INTENSITY THIS YEAR AS WELL” Gökhan Balta, representative of the Turkish Hoteliers Association in Edirne, stated that Edirne will once again host the festival between May 5-6, saying, “It will be celebrated with great intensity this year as well. We are sure it will pass in a great festive atmosphere with the arrival of spring and the improvement of weather. As the accommodation sector, all our hotels are full. We are confident that we will have a very nice week with the programs on May 5-6. Occupancy has approached 100 percent, nearly full. We have exceeded our accommodation capacity in Edirne. Since it is during the week, there might be some issues regarding working hours. According to the Turkish Hoteliers Association's estimates, we expect around 60,000 guests. If it were the weekend, this would exceed 100,000. We anticipate a busy two days,” he said.
“ROOM PRICES RANGE BETWEEN 2,000 AND 6,000 LIRA” Emphasizing that room prices are not high at accommodation facilities in the city, Balta noted, “Actually, our prices are not very high. Looking at the Turkish economy, accommodation prices have not increased much. In cities like ours, it’s not very intense, but there are slight increases related to supply and demand. However, there is no excessive increase. So there are rooms with prices ranging between 2,000 and 6,000 lira, but as of now, sales have already ended,” he said.
“MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN THIS YEAR AS WELL” Balta, stating that the festival has been held in a safer and more enjoyable environment in recent years, said, “There is no longer a safety concern like in the old days. No safety issues have been experienced for the last 10 years. Parking arrangements and road traffic regulations have been made for access to the area. Of course, the sudden density can cause minor disruptions anywhere in Turkey. But it does not happen on a large scale. The same measures have been taken this year. Necessary security precautions have been taken. Arrangements in the area have been made. Since it is an entertainment-focused festival with concert programs and entertainment schedules, an environment has been created where our guests can relieve all their stress and have fun comfortably,” he said.
“EDIRNE'S WEDDING AND FESTIVAL” Uğurcan İmrak, President of the Edirne Promotion and Fried Liver Quality Protection Association, also stated that May 5-6 is like Edirne's wedding and festival. İmrak said, “Edirne’s wedding and festival, the tourism season is beginning. There are only a few days left until the May 5-6 Hıdrellez and Kakava Festivals. As tradespeople, we have taken the necessary precautions and done our work regarding this, both in terms of personnel and materials. We are eagerly awaiting the May 5-6 Hıdrellez and Kakava Festivals. On this occasion, we expect a heavy influx of tourists, both domestic and foreign, to Edirne. There is a density. As far as we know, the occupancy rate in our hotels has reached 100 percent. This is very important for both the country's economy and Edirne's economy. Hopefully, we will make the best of these beautiful days. We will also bid farewell to our guests and visitors coming to Edirne for the Kakava festival in the best way possible. We call out to the whole world from here; come to Edirne, we welcome the whole world to the May 5-6 Hıdrellez and Kakava Festivals,” he said.