Antalya is undoubltly a perfect holiday destination with unique nature and abundant sunshine as well as being a prime spot for many national and international cultural festivals. As a city that stands out with tourism in Turkey, Antalya reinforces its popularity with events and festivals organized in the fields of culture, sports and art.
This article includes the major festivals and events in Antalya.
Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival
As Turkey's first opera ballet festival, it has been taking place at the Aspendos Antique Theater since 1994.
Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival has been organized by the Turkish State Opera and Ballet directorate since 1994 with international participation by opera and ballet companies from several countries.
The festival is held every year in June and July at the 2,000-year-old Aspendos Theater in Antalya. This theater is known as one of the best preserved ancient theaters in the world.
As an example, in 2006, a wide variety of productions were presented by companies such as the Ankara State Opera and Ballet (a popular opera such as Aida) and the Mersin State Opera and Ballet with La Bayadère by Léon Minkus, Carmen (Georges Bizet), and Carmina Burana by (Carl Orff). Other companies included the Ballett Zürich, the İzmir State Opera and Ballet (which presented Jivago/Zhivago by Alexander Borodin), and the Deutsche Oper Berlin with The Magic Flute.
Antalya International Film Festival
The Antalya International Film Festival, formerly known as the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival is a film festival that has taken place annually since 1963 in Antalya. It is the most important film festival in Turkey.
In 1964, Dr. It is Turkey's oldest and longest running film festival, which started under the leadership of Avni Tolunay. Organized to support Turkish cinema, the festival hosts world-famous actors and directors every year.
The festival starts with a parade in the city of Antalya in the evening of the first day. The opening ceremony takes place at the Konyaaltı Amphitheatre or in Antalya Cultural Center in presence of national and international film celebrities invited. At this ceremony, honorary awards are presented to cinema people for their contribution.
Official Website: https://www.antalyaff.com/en/
Antalya International Piano Festival
Antalya International Piano Festival is among the most important cultural and artistic events organized by Antalya Metropolitan Municipality. The International Antalya Piano Festival, a member of the European Festivals Association (EFA), which has contributed to Antalya's international identity since 2000. The festival brings together many world-famous musicians with music lovers.
Official Website: https://apf.com.tr
Runanatolia
Runatolia “International Antalya Marathon” started for the first time on March 19, 2006 under the name of Runtalya International Antalya Marathon with 850 people in order to make a difference in Turkish tourism and contribute to winter tourism. The Runatolia Marathon, which appeals to professional athletes as well as amateur athletes with little running experience, is an ideal run with its seasonal characteristics and being the first race of the season.
Official Website: https://www.runatolia.com
Antalya International Theatre Festival
Antalya International Theater Festival has been hosted by the Antalya State Theater with the attendance of approximately 100,000 spectators along with 50 foreign and 40 local theater groups.
The festival provides an important cultural and artistic dynamic to the city that takes place in the historical atmosphere of the ancient theaters in Antalya.
Kaleici Old Town Festival
Organized by the Muratpaşa Municipality to emphasize the cultural importance of Kaleici (Old Town) in Antalya. The festival is held every year in October.
Every year, a country is choosen as the guest of honor to the festival which has been held since 2016. The festival is held every year in October with the cortege, dance and theater performances as well as concerts in the Kaleici (Old Town) of Antalya.
Official Website: https://muratpasa-bld.gov.tr
Alanya Jazz Festival
The festival has been hosting world famous Jazz musicians for nearly 20 years, attracting music lovers to the region. The festival is scheduled to take place in 2021 from September 23rd to September 26th.
Official Website: Alanya Jazz Festival
Alanya Triathlon
Alanya Triathlon started for the first time in 1991, in which 120 athletes from 13 countries participated.
Alanya Triathlon and Tennis Club pioneered the establishment of the Turkish Triathlon Federation. The International Alanya Triathlon is run as a part of the European Championship for men and women and consists of 1.5 kilometers swimming, 40 kilometers cycling and 10 kilometers marathon races. Apart from the European Championship, Alanya Triathlon is also run in the categories of young men, men over 40 and men over 50.
Official Website: http://alanyacup.com
International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival
One of Antalya and Turkey’s most important cultural and artistic activities, the International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival (Sandland), meets with visitors every year with a different theme.
Professional sand sculpture artists from many countries of the world, as well as local artists, using only water and sand, are exhibited. In addition to the sand sculptures on the 10 thousand square meter area on the world-famous Lara coastline of Antalya.
Official Website: http://www.sandlandantalya.com