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Mersin Citrus Festival facts for kids

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Mersin Citrus Festival
Mersin Narenciye Festivali
Status Active
Genre Festival
Frequency Annually
Location(s) Mersin
Country Turkey
Years active 2010–present

The Mersin Citrus Festival (known as Turkish: Mersin Narenciye Festivali in Turkish) is a fun yearly event held in the city of Mersin, Turkey. It celebrates the delicious citrus fruits grown in the region.

Why Citrus is Important in Mersin

Mersin is a very important place for growing citrus fruits in Turkey. Farmers in this area grow huge amounts of lemons, oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits every year. These fruits are a big part of the local economy.

For example, in 2009, over one million tons of citrus were grown in the Mersin area. Lemons were the most common, making up more than half of all the citrus grown there. Oranges and tangerines were also very popular crops.

About the Festival

The Mersin Citrus Festival started in 2010 and happens every November. Its main goal is to show off Mersin's amazing citrus fruits. It also helps people discover Mersin as a great place to visit.

The festival usually lasts for two days, filled with exciting activities. It begins with opening speeches from local leaders.

Festival Highlights

One of the most exciting parts of the festival is a big parade. During the parade, you can see huge, colorful objects made entirely from citrus fruits! Imagine a lighthouse or a fountain built with oranges and lemons.

Many dance groups from different countries also join the parade. They perform traditional dances and wear beautiful costumes. These shows happen both in Mersin city and in a nearby town called Kızkalesi.

Countries Participating

The festival brings together people from all over the world. Many countries send their folk dance groups to perform and share their culture. In 2013, groups from over 25 countries took part. These included countries like Albania, China, Georgia, Greece, India, Russia, and Ukraine.

This international gathering makes the festival a truly global event. It's a chance for people to learn about different cultures while enjoying the citrus celebration.

Images for kids

The following images are from the parade of the 2013 festival

  • Mersin Citrus Festival 5

    Citrus Lighthouse in Mersin Citrus Festival

  • Mersin Citrus Festival 6

    Citrus Fountain in Mersin Citrus Festival

  • Mersin Citrus Festival 1

    Thailand group in Mersin Citrus Festival

  • Mersin Citrus Festival 2

    Dance in Mersin Citrus Festival

  • Mersin Citrus Festival 3

    Kids from Ukraine in Mersin Citrus Festival

  • Mersin Citrus Festival 4

    Elephant in Mersin Citrus Festival

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