The International Orange Blossom Carnival is a street carnival held annually in the city of Adana, Türkiye, in April, coinciding with the blooming period of orange trees. The event holds the distinction of being Türkiye's first and only city carnival and is described as the first event project that started as a civil initiative and was later embraced by local governments. The carnival's main slogan is "Nisan'da Adana'da" (In Adana in April), and its primary goal is to enhance the city's brand value while reflecting Adana's cultural values, the arrival of spring, and the Mediterranean spirit.

^{An image representing the Orange Blossom Festival (Anadolu Agency)}

History and Organization

The carnival was first held in 2013. Its creator and the President of the "In Adana in April" Committee is known as Ali Haydar Bozkurt. The carnival has grown rapidly since its inception. For instance, while approximately 15,000 people attended the first carnival, this number reached 350,000 in 2015. However, in 2016, the opening ceremony, the carnival parade, and public concerts had to be canceled due to security issues. The event, held for the 12th time in 2024, has planned its theme for 2025 around children, aiming for participation from children worldwide.^【1】 

The organization of the carnival is carried out in collaboration with the Adana Governor's Office, the Metropolitan Municipality, district municipalities, the Adana Chamber of Commerce, and the Carnival Committee. Recently, it has been included within the scope of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Türkiye Culture Route Festivals and usually serves as the season opener for this festival series.

^{An image representing the Orange Blossom Festival (Anadolu Agency)}

Event Content and Scope

The carnival is considered within the scope of event tourism and includes a wide variety of cultural, artistic, and sporting activities. The most notable event of the carnival is the Carnival Parade, where tens of thousands of people participate in special costumes.

Other activities span a broad spectrum:

• Art and Performance: Free concerts, music events, theater, cinema, opera and ballet performances, modern dance shows and competitions, and folk dance events.
• Education and Culture: Panels, talks, digital exhibitions, painting exhibitions and workshops, culinary workshops, and a mobile library.
• Competitions and Fashion Shows: Photography and costume competitions, and fashion shows.
• Sports and Games: Various sports events, chess, and board game tournaments.
• Gastronomy and Marketing: Food stations featuring Adana's unique flavors and stands with local souvenirs and handicrafts are set up.

In the words of Adana Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger, the Orange Blossom Carnival may be the only event in the world that appeals to all five senses, with the visual beauty of the Mediterranean spring, the scent of orange blossoms, the opportunity to touch through workshops, the tasting of Adana's delicacies, and appealing to hearing with music events.

^{An image representing the Orange Blossom Festival (Anadolu Agency)}

Carnival Products and Sales Stalls

During the carnival, the most popular products at the stalls are those with an orange blossom theme; according to 2016 data, the most favored items were crowns, followed by orange blossom products and jams. The fundamental condition for products sold at the stalls is that they must represent Adana, be unique to the city, and align with the spirit of the carnival. The sale of low-quality foreign products and souvenirs that do not fit the carnival theme is not permitted.

^{Orange Blossom Festival promotional video (Youtube)}

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