# What is Hıdırellez and how is it celebrated in different cultures?

Paige Thornton · August 4, 2026

> Hıdırellez is celebrated on May 6 in the Gregorian calendar, marking the arrival of spring and the meeting of the prophets Al-Khidr and Elijah, known...

Hıdırellez is celebrated on May 6 in the Gregorian calendar, marking the arrival of spring and the meeting of the prophets Al-Khidr and Elijah, known as Hzr and İlyas in Turkish culture.

The holiday has roots in ancient agricultural practices, serving as a way for communities to celebrate the renewal of life and the fertility of the land as spring begins.

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Hıdırellez is recognized as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its significance across various cultures and its preservation efforts.

Different regions have unique traditions associated with Hıdırellez.

In Turkey, people often light bonfires, while in some Balkan countries, it's common to create small altars or offerings in nature.

The name Hıdırellez combines the names of two significant prophets, reflecting a blend of Islamic and folkloric traditions that emphasize unity and spiritual renewal.

Rituals include writing wishes on slips of paper and tying them to trees, symbolizing the belief that the prophets grant these wishes during their meeting on this special day.

In some cultures, it is customary to prepare specific foods, like stuffed grape leaves and various pastries, which are shared among family and friends to celebrate abundance and community.

The celebration often includes music and dance, with traditional songs and folk dances reflecting the joy of the season and the gathering of community members.

Hıdırellez serves as a social event, bringing together families and friends, reinforcing community bonds and shared cultural heritage.

In the Caucasus region, Hıdırellez is celebrated with horse racing and various sporting events, combining traditional festivities with physical competition to welcome spring.

The holiday is thought to have ancient connections to nature worship and the veneration of fertility deities, illustrating the intersection of agricultural cycles and spiritual beliefs.

The scientific concept of phenology, which studies the timing of life cycle events in plants and animals, aligns with Hıdırellez as it marks the important seasonal change of spring.

In Iraq, particularly among Kurdish communities, Hıdırellez is celebrated with folk tales and storytelling, passing down cultural heritage through generations.

The tradition of jumping over bonfires during Hıdırellez is based on the belief that fire cleanses and protects individuals from evil spirits and misfortune.

In some regions, people collect herbs and flowers on Hıdırellez, which are believed to have protective and healing properties, connecting the holiday to ancient herbal medicine practices.

The celebration reflects a blend of different cultural influences, including pre-Islamic Turkic traditions, Islamic beliefs, and local customs, demonstrating how cultural practices evolve over time.

Hıdırellez also ties into the concept of communal harmony, as the shared rituals and activities encourage a sense of togetherness and solidarity among participants.

The timing of Hıdırellez, coinciding with the vernal equinox, symbolizes balance in nature, showcasing the harmony between light and dark, and the transition from winter to spring.

In modern times, Hıdırellez remains a vital cultural event, adapting to contemporary practices while retaining its traditional roots, showcasing the resilience of cultural heritage.

Scientific studies on social cohesion indicate that communal celebrations like Hıdırellez can enhance individual well-being and community resilience, linking cultural practices to psychological health.

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