
Ethan What’s that music, Kuzey?
Kuzey Oh! It’s the music from a festival.
Ethan It sounds like a march. What festival is it?
Kuzey You are right. It is a march from the Republic Day celebrations. This is last year’s video. I was in Turkey, then.
Ethan Who are those with you?
Kuzey Family members and friends.
Ethan It’s very crowded, there.
Kuzey It is. It really is. Turkish people are sentimental. We celebrate national and religious festivals enthusiastically.
Ethan When and how do you celebrate it? Can you tell me more about that?
Kuzey With pleasure. Turkish Republic Day is celebrated on 29th October every year. It is considered as one of the most important national festivals due to the foundation of the republic. A public holiday is observed. Groups from schools and people of all ages visit the festival spots to join the morning celebrations. Usually stadiums and squares are used as the celebration spots. They are decorated with flags. Parades are held and various shows are performed.
Ethan What do the shows include?
Kuzey They usually include reciting epic poems, folk dance performances and field choreographies, and some sports shows. People are not charged for public transport. Flags and torches are handed out for free. Torchlight processions and concerts are arranged for the evening. Fireworks shows are also included.
Ethan Great! Id like to see one of those celebrations some day.
Kuzey It’ll be my pleasure to host you.