Turkish Weekend

We celebrate the origin of the Tulip in grand style!

The tulip originated in Turkeyand they were host to the world’s first Tulip Festival more than 400 years ago. The love for the Tulip and the tradition is still strong today. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival Turkish Weekend is a showcase of Turkish culture among the tulips. With more than 100 performers, it is a colourful and exciting weekend.

This year’s Festival will once again feature demonstrations of art, dance, music and gourmet food. Visitors will have the opportunity to celebrate, learn, and savour Turkish hospitality, culture, and heritage.

At the Tesselaar Tulip Festival Turkish Weekend you can:

• Enjoy some amazing music on stage including classical and modern Turkish bands.
• See traditional and modern Turkish couture and textiles
• Experience memorable performances of Turkish folk dances and belly dancing from the amazing Desert Rose from 12pm.
• Enjoy the aromas and tastes of rich Traditional Turkish cuisine, including Gozleme, meat dishes, Adana Kebab, traditional turnip juice, desserts such as baklava, Turkish delights and much more
• See a colourful show of culture with the Australian Turkish Mehter Band (Marching Band). They perform at 2pm on Sunday.
• Watch artistic demonstrations such as calligraphy and marbling, and take part in workshops.
• Shop in our market bazaar for hand-made Iznik ceramics, Turkish rugs, throws, bags, decorative pillows, traditional jewellery, handcrafts, and more.
• Sip a cup of Turkish coffee and after you have finished, turn the cup upside down and have an reader tell you your fortune. It is fun and who knows, you may like what you hear!
• There is also a touch of Dutch with Our Clog Dancing Workshop at Noon and 2pm, see how it is done and give it a whirl. Plus our Historic Cheese Market performance where you see amazing spectacle of how Dutch cheeses were bought and sold. The Findlay Dutch Fairground Organ will be playing.

Proudly presented in association with the Australian Turkish Cultural Platform

While you are there, you can discover more than a million spring flowering bulbs on show, including almost a million Tulips. As you stroll through the historic gardens you can enjoy the sculpture exhibit, indulge in traditional Dutch foods and other treats. Visit our Clog Shop, see the world’s largest Clog, find treasures in the souvenir and market stalls. Have your face painted by the sensational Elenavation team. See beautiful garden displays, visit our fairy garden, pick a bunch of tulips, play some old fashioned Dutch games and see historical displays. Photo opportunities abound with Dutch frescos, Windmills, flowers and staff in traditional Dutch and Turkish costumes. Test yourpowers of observation with out treasure hunt. Try your luck with our garden games.