Grape Festival in Mehmetçik — Northern Cyprus

Mehmetçik Grape Festival (International Grape Festival) is a traditional annual grape harvest celebration held in August in the village of Mehmetçik in Northern Cyprus. The festival has been held 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
• Festival Location
• Festival History
• Program and Activities
• 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.

Festival Location

The festival takes place in the village of Mehmetçik (formerly Galateia). The village is located in the İskele region at the entrance to the Karpas Peninsula in northeastern Northern Cyprus.

Distances 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-growing area surrounded by vineyards. The region has been producing grapes for over 50 years.

Festival History

The grape festival in Mehmetçik was founded in 1960. Its original purpose was to create a marketplace 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 cuisine.

In 2022, the 60th anniversary festival was held. The event is organized by the Mehmetçik Büyükkonuk Municipality with support from the TRNC government.

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

Program and Activities

The Mehmetçik Grape Festival program includes:

Exhibitions and Tastings

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

Cultural Program

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

Additional Activities

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

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

Grape Products

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

Sucuk (Grape Sausage)

A traditional Cypriot delicacy made from grape juice (must), nuts, and flour. It has a sausage shape, a sweet taste, and a dense texture.

Pekmez (Grape Molasses)

Concentrated syrup from grape juice. Used as a natural sweetener, added to desserts, or eaten with bread.

Zivania

A traditional strong alcoholic drink distilled from grapes, usually 40–45% ABV. Mehmetçik locals have a long tradition of producing zivania.

Grape Juice and Wine

Fresh grape juice and local wines from grapes grown on the Karpas Peninsula.

How to Get There

By Car

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

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

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

By Public Transport

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

• by dolmuş (minibus) to Famagusta or İskele, then by taxi to Mehmetçik, or directly by taxi if you do not have your own or rented car.

Organized Tours

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

Other Regional Festivals

In addition to the Mehmetçik Grape Festival, other traditional festivals in Northern Cyprus include:

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

Glossary

• Mehmetçik — a village in northeastern Northern Cyprus at the entrance to the Karpas Peninsula. Former name — Galateia. Center of a wine-growing area.
• Karpas Peninsula — a peninsula in northeastern Northern Cyprus about 80 km long, known for natural landscapes, beaches, and agricultural traditions.
• Sucuk (Grape Sausage) — traditional Cypriot grape sausage made from grape juice, nuts, and flour.
• Pekmez (Grape Molasses) — concentrated grape juice syrup.
• Zivania — traditional strong alcoholic drink made from grapes, 40–45% ABV.
• International Golden Grape Folk Dance Festival — international folk dance festival held within the Mehmetçik Grape Festival, featuring 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 is held during the first week of August.

How much does festival entry cost?

Most festival activities are free for visitors. Admission to certain concerts by well-known artists may be paid. Ticket information is published by the organizers before the festival.

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 available only to adults.

Can I reach 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 go directly by taxi if you do not have your own or rented car.

Where can I stay during the festival?

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

What is the International Golden Grape Folk Dance Festival?

This is an international folk dance festival held within the Mehmetçik Grape Festival. It features groups from Turkey, Mexico, Croatia, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and other countries.

Can I visit the 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 locals or the tourist information center.

What other attractions are near Mehmetçik?

Nearby attractions include Karpas Peninsula beaches, Kantara Castle, the easternmost point of the island, and the Apostle Andrew Monastery.