The community band performed its first show at the Torchlight Parade.

A band formed by shopkeepers, housewives, the village head, the mayor, and politicians was established in the Kurucaşile district of Bartın. The band performed its first show during the Lantern Parade held on October 29, Republic Day.

In the Kurucaşile district of Bartın, which has a population of 2,100, a band was formed that includes a greengrocer, baker, fisherman, barber, haberdasher, accountant, car wash attendant, baklava maker, boat builder, furniture maker, housewives, the mayor, municipal council members, and village headmen. The 32-member band, established a month ago under the name ‘Kurucaşile Folk Band’, is formed by a group of friends who were part of the band at Kurucaşile Vocational High School between 2003 and 2008. The band, led by the mayor of Kurucaşile, Uğur Güneş, conducts its rehearsals in the courtyard and gymnasium of the school from which its members graduated.

The band consists of 32 members, 16 of whom are female and 16 male, aged between 35 and 40. A large portion of the band’s snare drums, drums, cymbals, and trumpets were acquired through funds collected among the team members themselves.

With the support of high school teachers, the band practices three days a week and held its first test during the Lantern Parade organized in the district on the evening of October 29, Republic Day. The band performed a short show in front of the government office and marched along with hundreds of people. The Lantern Parade, which took place with torches and giant flags, ended in the harbor area.

Thousands participated in the Lantern Parade in Bartın

The Lantern Parade held in Bartın’s city center attracted thousands of participants. The march, which was also attended by Bartın’s protocol, started in front of the Bartın municipality building. The Lantern Parade, which ended in Republic Square, featured the unfolding of a giant Turkish flag and the lighting of torches. During the Lantern Parade, which was filled with great enthusiasm, thousands walked approximately 1.5 kilometers accompanied by marches.

The celebrations of the October 29 Republic Day, illuminated by fireworks, concluded with a concert by Hande Ünsal.