ABSTRACT

Revival of nature and the coming of spring have become both fascination and joy for human beings for centuries. Because of that reason, we see that seasonal fests have emerged among different societies and they have been celebrated gorgeously. One of these rituals massified and turned into cultural accumulation is Kakava festivals being celebrated by gypsyorigined citizens living in Edirne. Kakava festivals begin with being made afire by gypsy chief on the first week of may every year and contunie to the evening of the following day. It is observed that gypsies, living in different parts of Turkey, come Edirne and attend the festivals having been celebrated by gypsies of Trakya.

Althoung the festival is inspired by a legend of Egyptian and AsiaMinor origins, it resembles the old Turkish celebration of spring which is “ one of the rituals of coming of spring” in the context of their way of perform. Kakava festivals have shaped by faith and customs of gypsies of Trakya and the cultural and religious proctices of the region