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Hidirellez
The day spring begins in Turkey and the Balkans, when wishes are written, tied to a rose bush and jumped over a fire.
When is Hidirellez in 2027?
Hidirellez 2027 is on Thursday, 6 May 2027. Other years: 2026, Wednesday, 6 May 2026; 2028, Saturday, 6 May 2028.
About Hidirellez
Hidirellez, on the night of 5 to 6 May, marks the day on which the prophets Hizir and Ilyas are said to meet on earth, bringing blessing and the arrival of spring. In Turkey and among Roma communities in the Balkans, people gather in parks and fields, picnicking outdoors with spring greens and lamb dishes, and light bonfires which they jump over to leave behind bad luck. They write wishes on small slips of paper and hang them on a rose bush, or bury them beneath it, to be fulfilled over the year. Young women look for omens of love and a good match, and some people wash in dew. The festival is celebrated in Edirne with a large gathering and in Macedonia as Erdelezi. UNESCO has recognised it.
Hidirellez dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Hidirellez date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday, 6 May 2026 |
| 2027 | Thursday, 6 May 2027 |
| 2028 | Saturday, 6 May 2028 |
What is eaten
- lamb
- spring greens
- sweets
Traditions of Hidirellez
Also part of it, and being written: Edirne (The city of one of the largest gatherings.), Roma people (The communities who keep Hıdırellez or Ederlezi.).
More marked on Hidirellez
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Background: "Hıdırellez" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
Photo credits on this page
The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.
- Korovai: Olli Niemitalo, CC0, source
- Kakava: CeeGee, CC BY-SA 4.0, source