43rd Turkish Day Parade to be held in New York

43rd Turkish Day Parade to be held in New York

Under the coordination of our Directorate, the Turkish Day Parade and a series of cultural events will be held in New York City, the United States, on 15–16 May.

First organised in 1981 in response to the assassination of Turkish diplomats by the Armenian terrorist organisation ASALA in the United States, the Turkish Day Parade has since continued as a longstanding tradition and will be held for the 43rd time this year.

In addition to strengthening the unity and solidarity of the Turkish-American community, the events organised within the scope of the Turkish Day Parade aim to further reinforce economic and cultural ties. The programme is expected to commence with a flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green Park on Wall Street on 15 May 2026.

As part of the Turkish Day Parade, performances of Turkish marches by the Mehter Band, affiliated with the Ministry of National Defence, as well as a special performance by the Fire of Anatolia dance ensemble reflecting the richness and dynamism of Turkish culture, are scheduled for Saturday, 16 May. Through these performances, it is aimed to offer participants a powerful experience showcasing Türkiye’s historical and cultural heritage. Furthermore, within the festival programme, a concert by one of the leading artists of Turkish music is planned for Madison Square Park.

The Turkish Day Parade remains significant as one of the strongest traditions reflecting the presence and cultural heritage of the Turkish-American community in the United States.