Tekirdag Cherry Festival

Tekirdag Province, located in East Thrace region of the country, is one of only three provinces entirely within continental Europe. Tekirdag is the capital of the province and the largest city in European Turkey aside from the European section of Istanbul.

Tekirdag Cherry Festival started to be celebrated for the first time in 1962 under the name of “Cherry Cümbüşü”. It was renamed in 1964 and became a traditional annual event that creates a wide range of cultural and entertainment activities. Usually it is held in the first or second week of June and lasts for 4 days. During the festival, corteges, exhibitions, shows, lantern processions, night concerts, cherry competitions, sailing competitions, festival beauty contests, picnics are held and ends with closing concerts. Fireworks shows are held and amusement parks are established. Many companies also find the opportunity to introduce their products in the aisles they open.

Cherry has a special place for Tekirdağ with its appearance, taste and festival organized in its name.

Marketing approach

With its 50 years of celebration the festival is well known among local people and international visitors. It attracts participants and visitors easily due to the scale and significance of the event. Although a key factor for the festival promotion are the local tour operators and agents, a mass-media promotion is also conducted.

Financial situation

The Mayors of Tekirdağ undertake the Presidency of the Celebration Committee of the Tekirdag Cherry Festival. Since the festival is a platform for promoting Tekirdag and attracting international visitors the local authorities allocates funds from its budget not only to organize the fest but also to make it in a large-scale magnificent event.

Key success factors and challenges

Key factors for success of the festival are the traditional roots. The large investments on behalf of Tekirdag municipality are also in favour of the festival.

Plans for future development

The future development refers to attracting visitors from new territories.

Source of the images: Suleymanpasha province official webpage