Grape Festival in Mehmetçik — Northern Cyprus

Mehmetçik Grape Festival (Международный фестиваль винограда) — a traditional annual grape harvest celebration held in August in the village of Mehmetçik in Northern Cyprus. The festival has been taking place since 1960 and is one of the oldest cultural events in the TRNC. The program includes tastings of grape products, folk dances, concerts, and exhibitions.

• When the festival takes place
• Where the festival takes place
• Festival history
• Program and events
• Grape products
• How to get there
• Other regional festivals
• Glossary
• Frequently asked questions

When the festival takes place

The Mehmetçik Grape Festival is traditionally held during the first week of August. The exact dates for 2026 will be announced by the Mehmetçik Büyükkonuk municipality in spring 2026.

The festival lasts 5–7 days and coincides with the main grape harvest period in the Karpas Peninsula region.

Current announcements can be found in the Events section

Where the festival takes place

The festival is held in the village of Mehmetçik, also formerly known as Galateia. The village is located in the İskele region at the entrance to the Karpas Peninsula in northeastern Northern Cyprus.

Distance to major cities:

• from Famagusta — about 30 km north
• from Kyrenia — about 65 km east
• from Nicosia — about 50 km east

Mehmetçik is at the center of a wine-producing region surrounded by vineyards. The area has been known for grape cultivation for over 50 years.

Festival history

The grape festival in Mehmetçik was founded in 1960. The original aim was to create a platform for local farmers to sell grapes and grape products. Over time, the festival evolved into a major cultural event combining agricultural traditions, music, dance, and culinary arts.

In 2022, the 60th anniversary festival took place. The event is organized by the Mehmetçik Büyükkonuk municipality with the support of the TRNC government.

Since the early 2000s, the festival has included an international element — the International Golden Grape Folk Dance Festival, featuring folklore groups from various countries.

Program and events

The Mehmetçik Grape Festival program includes:

Exhibitions and tastings

• exhibition of fresh local grape varieties
• tastings of grape products: sucuk (grape sausage), pekmez (grape molasses), grape juice
• tasting of zivania — a traditional strong grape-based drink
• agricultural products fair

Cultural program

• International Golden Grape Folk Dance Festival — an international folk dance festival featuring groups from Turkey, Mexico, Croatia, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria
• performances by local dance groups
• concerts by Turkish and Cypriot musicians
• themed musical evenings (retro, Cypriot night, tribute concerts)

Additional activities

• sports competitions
• art exhibitions
• culinary workshops on grape-based dishes

Most events take place in the evening from 20:00 to midnight.

Grape products

Mehmetçik is known for producing traditional grape products. At the festival, you can taste and purchase:

Sucuk (Sucuk / Şıra)

Grape sausage — a traditional Cypriot delicacy. Made from grape juice (must), nuts, and flour. It has a sausage shape, sweet taste, and firm texture.

Pekmez (Pekmez)

Grape molasses — a concentrated syrup made from grape juice. Used as a natural sweetener, added to desserts, or eaten with bread.

Zivania (Zivania)

A traditional strong alcoholic grape-based drink produced by distillation. Alcohol content usually 40–45%. Mehmetçik residents have long-standing traditions in zivania production.

Grape juice and wine

Fresh grape juice, as well as local wines made from grapes grown on the Karpas Peninsula.

How to get there

By car

From Famagusta: about 30–40 minutes north towards the Karpas Peninsula.

From Kyrenia: about 1 hour via Nicosia and Famagusta, then north.

Parking is available in the village center and near the festival grounds.

By public transport

There is no direct bus service from major cities to Mehmetçik. You can reach it:

• by dolmuş (shared taxi) to Famagusta or İskele, then by taxi to Mehmetçik. Or directly by taxi if you do not have your own or a rental car.

Organized tours

During the festival, some travel agencies organize group trips from Kyrenia and Famagusta.

Other regional festivals

Besides the Mehmetçik Grape Festival, other traditional festivals are held in Northern Cyprus:

• Güzelyurt Orange Festival — in June–July, dedicated to citrus fruits
• Halloumi Festival in Geçitkale — in August–September, dedicated to halloumi cheese
• Carob Festival in Tatlısu — in September, dedicated to the carob tree
• Walnut Festival in Lefke — in June, dedicated to walnuts
• International Music Festival in Bafra — in July, a music festival in the Bafra region
• Traditional Cuisine Festival in Bafra — in August, festival of traditional cuisine

Glossary

• Mehmetçik — a village in northeastern Northern Cyprus at the entrance to the Karpas Peninsula. Former name — Galateia. Center of the wine-producing region.
• Karpas Peninsula — a peninsula in northeastern Northern Cyprus about 80 km long. Known for its natural landscapes, beaches, and agricultural traditions.
• Sucuk (Sucuk / Şıra) — traditional Cypriot grape sausage made from grape juice, nuts, and flour.
• Pekmez (Pekmez) — grape molasses, a concentrated syrup made from grape juice.
• Zivania (Zivania) — traditional strong grape-based alcoholic drink, 40–45% alcohol.
• International Golden Grape Folk Dance Festival — international folk dance festival held as part of the Mehmetçik Grape Festival featuring folklore groups from various countries.

Frequently asked questions

When exactly will the festival take place in 2026?

The exact dates for the Mehmetçik Grape Festival 2026 will be announced by the Mehmetçik Büyükkonuk municipality in spring 2026. Traditionally, the festival takes place during the first week of August.

How much is the festival entry?

Most festival events are free for visitors. Entry to individual concerts by famous artists may be paid. Ticket information is published by organizers before the festival begins.

Can I buy grape products at the festival?

Yes, the festival has a fair where local producers sell fresh grapes, sucuk, pekmez, zivania, grape juice, and other grape products.

Are there age restrictions?

The festival is family-oriented and has no age restrictions. Alcohol tastings (zivania) are only available to adults.

Is it possible to get to Mehmetçik by public transport?

There is no direct bus service. You can take a dolmuş to Famagusta or İskele, then a taxi to Mehmetçik. Or directly by taxi if you do not have your own or a rental car.

Where can I stay during the festival?

Accommodation options in Mehmetçik itself are limited. It is recommended to stay in Famagusta (30 km), İskele, Boaz, or hotels in the Bafra region (15–20 km) and attend the festival for a day.

What is the International Golden Grape Folk Dance Festival?

It is an international folk dance festival held as part of the Mehmetçik Grape Festival. Folk groups from Turkey, Mexico, Croatia, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and other countries perform there.

Can I visit vineyards in Mehmetçik?

The vineyards are located around the village. Some farmers organize tours and tastings during the festival. It is recommended to check availability with local residents or at the tourist information center.

What other attractions are near Mehmetçik?

Near Mehmetçik are the Karpas Peninsula beaches, Kantara Castle Kantara, the easternmost point of the island, and the Monastery of Apostle Andrew Apostle Andrew.

Where to get fresh information and event announcements?

This information is conveniently available in the Events and News sections