A Carnival Procession Through Roman Arches
The highlight of the festival program was the traditional carnival procession, breathing vibrant carnival energy into the ancient quarters. The festive column began its journey in front of the Old Metropolitan Municipality building and made its way toward the main entrance of the historic center — the monumental Hadrian's Gate, erected in the 2nd century AD.
To the upbeat rhythm of a brass marching band, stilt walkers in whimsical colorful costumes, jugglers, and fire performers stepped through the white marble arches. Following the performers, representatives of international delegations marched in traditional folk attire alongside local residents carrying national flags.
The festive cortege filled the narrow cobblestone alleys of Kaleiçi, decorated with festival bunting and evening lights, where residents and shopkeepers greeted the parade with applause. The procession concluded at Karaalioğlu Park at the Orta Mirador viewpoint, followed by a concert by popular Turkish rock band Adamlar under the night sky.
Open-Air Art: From Ballerinas to a Sculptor's Chisel
The festival program seamlessly combined classical traditions, contemporary art, and urban history. The cobblestone streets of Kaleiçi transformed into open-air galleries: the facades of historic Ottoman mansions provided backdrops for paintings, ceramics, and photography exhibitions, while artists worked at easels directly before passersby. Public creative workshops welcomed all visitors to try painting and sculpture.
At the base of Hadrian's Gate, sculptor Cem Güney Çevikbaş held an open-air workshop. As part of the ambitious "Horses of Lycia" project — aimed at crafting thirty monumental figures and a ten-meter statue marking the start of the Lycian Way — the sculptor completed a white horse figure live during the festival. Right before the ancient marble columns of the gate, the ballet performance "Hadrian's Swans" unfolded, with ballerinas in white tutus dancing on an open stage before an enthralled audience.
Another striking venue was the scenic terrace of the ancient Roman Hıdırlık Tower overlooking the Mediterranean. Soloists from the Antalya State Opera and Ballet — soprano Arzu Aydoğdu and tenor Erdi Can Aybaş, accompanied by pianist Talgat Arakeev — performed a chamber recital. In the pre-sunset hours, the terrace hosted the "Haute Couture Interpretation of Anatolia: Past to Future" fashion show, where designers Muhammer Ketenci, Kunkei Sabina, and Gözde İşbilir showcased original creations inspired by traditional Anatolian fabrics and motifs.
Flavors of Heritage and Excitement in the Street Maze
The festival extended beyond stages and alleys. At the Türkan Şoray Cultural Center, the "Living Cuisines of Ancient Cities" gastronomy forum celebrated Mediterranean culinary heritage, with Antalya showcasing its signature tahini-dressed piyaz. Across the streets of Kaleiçi, the second annual orienteering race took place: over 800 participants in family, junior, cadet, and adult categories used compasses and maps to navigate thirty-five checkpoints hidden throughout the historic quarter.
When History Becomes a Shared Home
Kaleiçi is often perceived as a frozen monument to Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman eras. The Old Town Festival proves year after year that this ancient city remains a living urban heart. When venerable stone walls light up with carnival cheer, music from diverse cultures echoes through public squares, and artists mingle with residents, Antalya reveals its finest essence — warmth, hospitality, openness to the world, and cherished cultural heritage.
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Sources: Official press releases of Muratpaşa Municipality (Muratpaşa Belediyesi) No. 11097, 11099, and 11101, October 10–12, 2026.