Antalya is among Turkey’s most culturally-progressive cities. This fact is underlined by the wide variety of Antalya Festivals that are celebrated every year. Visitors can look forward to a wide mix of Antalya festivals, ranging from traditional, religious festivities to festivals celebrating the contemporary arts and global music. Some of the most prominent Antalya festivals include the following:

Antalya Cultural Festivals—Aspendos International Opera-Ballet Festival

One of Antalya’s prominent landmarks is the massive Aspendos Amphitheater. This 2000-year-old structure hosts the most prestigious of events in Turkey. In the summer during June and July, every year, the Aspendos hosts the International Opera-Ballet Festival. This globally-recognized, ballet festival attracts the best of talents from the Middle East. In the last few years, some European ballet groups have also participated. The emphasis is upon presenting a blend of time-honored and modern-day, ballets and opera creations. The highlight of the show is the opera performed by the Istanbul State Opera that has become one of the most popular participants. However, attending this mega-event isn't easy. Visitors need to confirm their seats at least a month in advance.

Location: Aspendos Amphitheater, near the Antalya International Airport.

Antalya Religious Festivals— Festival of Ramadan

Antalya’s residents celebrate all the traditional Islamic festivals. One such popular festival is the festival of Ramadan. Celebrated usually during the last weeks of September or the first week of October, this is one of the most sacred festivals in the Islamic world. This entire period is marked by long periods of fasting, followed by a week of eating frenzy. The markets are loaded with native, gastronomic preparations. This is perhaps the best period to try-out the Turkish delicacies.

Location: the entire city of Antalya. In fact, the whole of Turkey celebrates this festival with an emphasis on grandeur and impromptu social gatherings.

Antalya New Festivals—International Choir Festival

Usually, hosted in the month of April, this is among Turkey’s most contemporary festivals. This is a rare music festival, aimed at presenting combined performances by European, Balkan and Middle Eastern choir artists. Attending the Choir Festival is also a great way of discovering Antalya in a packaged form. Visitors are taken on a day-long trip that includes tours of historic sites, including the old city. This is done to ensure that the attendees understand the cultural references made during the native choir performances. The packaged, day-tour includes visiting the open-air museum and the Duden Waterfall.

Location: 3 Antalya, Sok 31, Turkey.