Unison Travel & Events
Tour Description
Hıdrellez: Turkey’s Biggest Romani Dance and Music Festival
Discover the energy of Hıdrellez, a celebration of Romani dance, music, and culture. Immerse yourself in a week of vibrant traditions, street parties, and cultural exploration.
What is Hıdrellez?
Hıdrellez celebrates the awakening of nature every spring across Anatolia. It’s believed that wishes made on this night will be granted.
Traditions include:
Jumping over fire and making wishes.
Tying wishes on trees or burying them under plants.
Morning rituals by rivers.
Learn Romani Dance
Join Ozgen & Reyhan, master teachers, to learn authentic Romani dance techniques.
Highlights:
Step-by-step lessons for beginners.
Advanced moves for enthusiasts.
Optional private lessons available.
Explore Edirne’s Romani Community
Travel to Edirne, the heart of Romani culture in Turkey, for unforgettable street parties, live music, and a traditional Romani dinner.
Comfortable Accommodations
Istanbul: Palazzo Donizetti Hotel
A 4-star hotel in Beyoğlu, near Istiklal Street and Galata.
Edirne: Edirne Palace
A centrally located hotel, perfect for enjoying late-night festivities.
Why Join Hıdrellez?
Experience Romani culture like never before through dance, music, and local traditions. Celebrate with the community and create lasting memories.
Reserve Your Spot Now and embrace the spirit of Hıdrellez!
About the Leaders
Ozgen Ozgec
Ozgen is an internationally acclaimed Turkish dancer, teacher, choreographer and director. Specialising in Turkish Oriental and Romany (Gypsy) dance, Ozgen is regularly invited to give workshops in Britain and abroad, and to perform at international dance events and Belly dance festivals across Europe, North and South America, and Asia.
Reyhan Tuzsuz
Reyhan, once a housewife but an extraordinary Romani dancer living in Istanbul is now very famous among dancers who are determined to learn this dance from a real Romani woman. Her dance style is strong, natural, real and beautiful.
Gallery
Itinerary
May 2
Friday
Welcome to Istanbul. Tonight, we will come together at the hotel lobby!
For those who arrive early, we will have the option of a group class or private classes (to be announced at a closer date).
Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner in famous fish restaurant district of Istanbul, Kumkapi. You will meet your teachers and the rest of the group tonight as well as enjoying a lovely dinner and live music from Gypsy musicians.
May 3
Saturday
Today we will begin our classes, learning techniques and styles of Romany dance. You will be transferred to our modern and large studio to spend the first part of the day dancing, dancing and dancing...
10:00 - 12:00 Workshop with Ozgen < Roman Technique >
12:30 - 14:30 Workshop with Ozgen < Raw Technique and Steps >
Turkish Romany is a street dance in dance. Experience authentic Roman dance that people actually dance at weddings and parties!
After the class, we go back to the hotel and the rest of the day is your free time!
It's a perfect opportunity to take a private class from one of Oriental Istanbul teachers, pay a visit to Grand Bazaar and shop until you drop, or enjoy a traditional Turkish Bath treat.
Optional Field Trip 1: Tonight, you have the option of joining us for a dinner at a local restaurant and watch some of the best Turkish belly dancers and Turkish Folk dancers in town.
May 4
Sunday
Our day starts with another 2-hour workshop with Reyhan and then afternoon is with Ozgen.
10:00 - 12:00 Workshop with Reyhan < Raw Romany >
12:30 - 14:30 Workshop with Ozgen <Roman Choreo >
After our class, we will be on our way to Edirne. Our trip will take 3 hours and upon arrival and check in to the hotel, the evening is free to explore the town and taste the famous meatballs of the town.
May 5
Monday
This is the big day!
Our day starts with another 2-hour workshop with Ozgen.
10:00 - 12:00 Workshop with Ozgen <Roman choreo>
Free time in the the afternoon. A great chance to visit Selimiye Mosque, the masterpiece of Architect Sinan and many historical bazaars in the town. Make sure to taste the famous cheese dessert of Edirne.
16:00 We’re meeting at the hotel and heading to the festival area to be there for the ignition of the famous Hidrellez fire. Jump over the fire 3 times and your wish will come true! This is the real thing! You will spend tonight amongst the Romany locals of Edirne dancing, having fun and celebrating the major event of the year, Hidrellez.
This is a night of party. We will celebrate the arrival of spring at a dinner party along with a gypsy band, dancing the night away.
May 6
Tuesday
We are rising very early this morning as one of the most important rituals of all Gypsy communities takes place. Just before the sunrise, we will arrive by the river to witness the purity ceremony. Young Gypsy girls come along with their wedding dresses and young Gypsy boys dip in the cold river. Write your wish on a piece of white paper and throw it in the flowing river to make sure it comes true.
Afternoon is at your leisure in Edirne. Unless you want to explore the rest of the town, we have 2 great optional activities for you:
Option 1:
10:30 - 12:30 Enjoy a 2-hour folklore dance class with a local teacher from Edirne.
Option 2:
13:30 - 15:30 Edirne is also famous with its quality vineyards. Today’s lunch is at one of the nicest vineyards of the region, Arda Vineyards. Enjoy a barbeque lunch with handmade meze dishes followed by a tour of the winery and wine tasting.
May 7
Wednesday
This morning, according to the flight times of the passengers, we will leave Edirne and drive back to Istanbul. If you want to extend your stay, you can book extra accommodation for tonight.
IMPORTANT: Please book an afternoon flight, preferably after 4 pm if you are returning on the 7th of May. If you are not able to book an earlier flight, then please arrange your stay until 8th May.
Ozgen Ozgec
Reyhan Tuzsuz
Price Details
Popular
Price Includes:
Arrival and departure airport transfers
2 nights BB accommodation in 4-star Palazzo Donizetti Hotel in Istanbul
3 nights BB accommodation in boutique Edirne Palace Hotel in Edirne
8 hours Romany Dance class (introduction, technique and choreo) by master teacher Ozgen
2 hours Romany Dance class by Reyhan
Use of a modern studio with mirrors during the classes
5 breakfasts, 1 welcome dinner, 1 celebration dinner in Edirne with locals
Hidrellez Festival experience with Gypsy community in Edirne
Service charges, parking fees, 18% VAT
Price does not Include:
International flights
Optional tours
Tips for guide and driver
Meals that are not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses and purchases
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