ISTANBUL, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Beneath a blooming rose tree in Istanbul, Serpil Buyukyildiz carefully tucked a small piece of paper among the thorns, listing her wishes for the coming year.
"I wished for a house last year, and it came true against all odds," Buyukyildiz, an Istanbul resident, said. "This year, I am wishing for peace everywhere."
She is among thousands celebrating Hidirellez, a centuries-old, UNESCO-recognized spring festival marking the renewal of nature. It is observed annually from the night of May 5 to May 6.
To mark the occasion, people typically write or draw their wishes -- from good health to a new home -- and place them beneath rose trees. The wishes are collected at dawn the next day, symbolizing their fulfillment in the year ahead.
The custom has also brought a seasonal boost to the floral industry. Florists across the country reported a 30 to 40 percent increase in sales in recent days, primarily driven by demand for roses.
The surge was particularly visible in Istanbul's Tarabya neighborhood, known for its long-standing floriculture activity.
"In recent days, demand for roses has increased significantly," said Osman Kaya, a local florist. "People turn to these traditions for comfort, especially during uncertain times."
Beyond Istanbul, celebrations reach their peak in the northwestern province of Edirne, where Hidirellez is marked with the vibrant Kakava festivities rooted in the region's Romani culture.
Local authorities said this year's events drew around 60,000 visitors, featuring the traditional Kakava bonfire.
"Our hotels have reached full occupancy," Filiz Gencan, mayor of the city of Edirne, told reporters, noting growing interest from international tour operators.
According to Gokhan Balta, the Edirne representative of the Hotel Association of Türkiye, the festival now ranks as the city's second-largest tourism event, after the renowned Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Championship.
While deeply rooted in Türkiye, Hidirellez is also celebrated across parts of the Balkans, the Middle East and the Caucasus, reflecting a shared cultural heritage of renewal and seasonal change.
