The festival has two main components: a somber commemoration in March and a joyful celebration during the summer months.
The official festival is usually held in late July or early August.
Commemoration Program On March 21, the anniversary of Âşık Veysel’s passing, a commemoration program is held at his grave in the village of Sivrialan, featuring prayers and attended by both dignitaries and the public.
During the festival, both the town of Şarkışla and the village of Sivrialan are quite bustling.
Sivrialan Village Events: Visitors pay their respects at the poet’s grave, followed by a tour of the Âşık Veysel Museum in Sivrialan. The “Festival of Bards” is held at the village’s amphitheater, where bards from all over Turkey engage in poetic exchanges and perform Veysel’s songs.
The poet’s timeless works, such as “I Am on a Long, Narrow Road” and “May My Friends Remember Me,” are brought to life anew by local and national artists.
