Immerse yourself in Turkish culture
The tulip was first cultivated in Türkiye over four centuries ago and they were the first to host a Tulip Festival, celebrating this beloved flower. The love for the tulip remains strong today. The Tesselaar Tulip Festival Turkish Weekend is a colourful showcase of Turkish culture and heritage amidst a sea of tulips.
Festival will once again feature captivating demonstrations of art, dance, music and gourmet food. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to celebrate, learn, and savour Turkish hospitality, culture, and heritage in an immersive setting. Join us as we journey into Turkish hospitality in the enchantment of the tulips.
Proudly presented in association with the Australian Turkish Cultural Platform we invite you to delve into the enchanting world of tulips and Turkish traditions.
Turkish Entertainment (2024 line up 2025 TBA)
Enjoy some amazing music on stage including classical and modern Turkish bands. The weekend entertainment is organised by Fatih Karakas.
SATURDAY
10:15am Bihter and Mete Duo - Bihter Ikiz and Metehan Dereli, an experienced acoustic duo with beautiful vocals and mesmerising guitar melodies with exceptional covers of Turkish and English songs across various genres.
11:15am Bihter and Mete Duo - Bihter Ikiz and Metehan Dereli, an experienced acoustic duo with beautiful vocals and mesmerising guitar melodies.
12:15pm Bellydancing - Oryantal sytle
1:00pm Zeybek Dance - Turkish folk dancing, performed in the Aegean region, it uses slow, proud, heroic movements translating the courage of Zeybek warriors.
1:30pm Ada Vapuru - A Melbourne based trio playing Turkish pop from the 60's to the 00's
2:30pm Bellydancing - Oryantal sytle
3:15pm Ada Vapuru - A Melbourne based trio playing Turkish pop from the 60's to the 00's
SUNDAY
10:15am Bihter and Mete Duo - Bihter Ikiz and Metehan Dereli, an experienced acoustic duo with beautiful vocals and mesmerising guitar melodies with exceptional covers of Turkish and English songs across various genres.
11:20am Bellydancing - Oryantal sytle
12:05pm Bihter and Mete Duo - Bihter Ikiz and Metehan Dereli, an experienced acoustic duo with beautiful vocals and mesmerising guitar melodies.
1:10pm Bellydancing - Oryantal sytle
1:40pm Zeybek Dance - Turkish folk dancing, performed in the Aegean region, it uses slow, proud, heroic movements translating the courage of Zeybek warriors.
2:00pm Mehter Marching Band - A traditional marching band, The Australian Turkish Mehter Band (Marching Band) is one of the oldest traditional marching bands in the world.
2:45pm Ada Vapuru - A Melbourne based trio playing Turkish pop from the 60's to the 00's
3:45pm Ada Vapuru - A Melbourne based trio playing Turkish pop from the 60's to the 00's
There is also a touch of Dutch with Our Clog Dancing Workshop at 11:00 and 1:30pm, see how it is done and give it a whirl. Plus our Historic Cheese Market performance at Noon and 2:30pm, where you see amazing spectacle of how Dutch cheeses were bought and sold. The Findlay Dutch Fairground Organ will be playing.
Turkish Cuisine
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. Sip a cup of Turkish coffee and after you have finished, turn the cup upside down and have an reader tell you your fortune with Mujgan Ozturk. It is fun and who knows, you may like what you hear! Turkish coffee combines special preparation and brewing techniques with a rich communal traditional culture, it is usually drunk in coffee houses where people meet to talk, read and share news.
Turkish Art and Cultural Workshops
Turkish Marbling (Ebru) with Ezgi Sert, Ezgi takes pride in this unique artform, adhering to centuries old techniques that date back to the Ottoman Empire. Create stunning ephemeral patterns that reflect artistic skill and cultural heritage. Colours are layered onto a watery surface then transformed with brushes. A wonderful activity for all ages.
Turkish Ceramic Painting Workshops see the magic of Turkish art unfold with live demonstrations and interactive workshops. Create your own work of art to take home. Art Master Class Studios
Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshops join in on the unique experience of mosaic art and create your own lamp to take home.
Fees apply for these classes.
Discover millions of spring flowers
While you are there, you can discover more than a million spring flowering bulbs on show, including almost a million Tulips. As you stroll around the historic gardens you can 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. See beautiful garden displays, visit our fairy garden (story telling at 11:15, 12:30, 1:45 and 3:00), 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 your powers of observation with our treasure hunt, have your face painted. Try your luck with our garden games.
