The excitement of the ‘Kushimoto Street Artists Festival’ in Mersin

The 6th ‘International Mersin Kushimoto Street Artists Festival,’ organized this year by the Newşehir Municipality in collaboration with a civil society organization, showcased vibrant scenes. Thousands attended the festival where musicians, painters, dance groups, and performance artists displayed their talents.

The festival, which has become traditional and gained an international dimension this year, brought together artists from various cities in Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Kushimoto Street, closed to vehicular traffic, transformed into a carnival atmosphere and became a meeting point for art. The festival held on Kushimoto Street, one of Mersin’s busiest social hubs, was filled with colorful moments. Citizens of Mersin had the opportunity to enjoy themselves while the festival featured performances by musicians, painters, dance groups, and graffiti artists. Additionally, attendees could participate in painting, sculpture, and handicraft workshops organized in the festival area, allowing them to create their own artworks.

“These festivals make our citizens happy”

Newşehir Mayor Abdullah Özyiğit stated that citizens showed great interest in the festivals they organized, saying, “One of the six fundamental principles that formed our management approach when we took office was the principle of ‘movement.’ Movement was a principle that included fostering more communication and friendship among people through cultural and artistic activities. Last week, we held the International Newşehir Culture Festival in our city. These festivals make our citizens happy. We will continue to organize them.”

“We need unity, togetherness, and brotherhood.”

Özyiğit expressed their desire to bring street artists from Japan, Germany, and China, stating: “We are honored to host our fellow citizens at the most beautiful festival in Mersin. In the future, we want to bring street artists from Japan’s Kushimoto city, as well as from Germany and China. We also have sister municipalities there. What we need the most right now is brotherhood. We need unity, togetherness, and brotherhood.”