The 13th Mormenekşe Artichoke Festival, organized by the Mormenekşe Women’s Association, will take place this weekend from April 12–13.

The event was officially announced at a press conference held yesterday. As part of the festivities, a ceremonial parade will kick off the celebration on Saturday, April 12, followed by the official opening ceremony at 7:00 p.m.

Speaking at the press conference, Association President Erşen Ummanel highlighted the cultural importance of festivals across the country during the spring season and described artichokes as the symbolic crop of Mormenekşe.

She emphasized that the festival aims to pass cultural traditions to future generations.

The event will feature a full day of activities, including cultural displays, market stalls, children’s play areas, and meaningful art exhibitions.

The festival will conclude with a performance by one of Türkiye’s most beloved bands, Yeni Türkü.

Festival Committee member Bedia Balses announced that competitions in poetry, painting, and letter writing will be held in memory of Champion Angels students Perihan Çetiner, Havin Kılıç, and Mehmet Sevrim.

Another committee member, Elçin Sarıyel, added that an artichoke dish competition will take place in memory of the late Kemaliye Parlan. Organizers invited the public to join in celebrating the region’s culinary and cultural richness.