Kaş on 29 October 2026, Lantern Parade and Celebrations

Meis Island on the horizon in the morning, hundreds of flag-decked boats gliding in front of it; in the evening, torches in every hand and marches echoing through the streets... Anyone who has experienced Republic Day in Kaş once tends to circle the date on their calendar forever. The October sea is still as warm as summer, but the holiday is short. So how do you catch both the ceremony at sea and the lantern parade at night? Start the day on a boat and finish it in the square. With a Kaş boat tour, you can spend the morning in turquoise water, right at the heart of the celebration. In this guide you'll find the spirit of Kaş's holiday, the boat parade on the water and the evening excitement for Thursday, 29 October 2026.

Why Is 29 October So Special in Kaş?

Kaş's Republic Day has a flavor you won't find in big-city ceremonies. According to a local story, news of the Republic's proclamation reached this remote coastal town later than anywhere else, and the people of Kaş celebrated for days. Fact or legend, it explains why the town embraces this holiday so tightly. Many visitors plan their whole vacation around this date, and tables in the square bring neighbors and tourists together.

This year marks the 103rd anniversary of the Republic, and it falls on a Thursday. The official holiday starts on Wednesday, 28 October, in the afternoon, so arriving on Wednesday and staying two nights is a very sensible plan.

The Morning Thrill: A Parade at Sea

One of the most special moments that sets Kaş apart happens on the water. On the morning of the holiday, boats decked out with flags leave the harbor and form a procession at sea. During the 100th anniversary celebrations, 100 boats set out from in front of Kaş Harbor and sailed all the way to the front of Republic Square, while a Coast Guard boat put on a display. In 2025, 65 boats flying flags paraded off the coast of Kaş Harbor, and above them paratroopers jumped with a giant Turkish flag bearing Atatürk's portrait. Sea, sky and square all join the celebration at once.

💡 Captain Ergun's Tip: Spend the holiday morning out on the water. Watching the flag-decked boats from the square is lovely, but being near the procession on the waves is a completely different feeling. Book a morning departure in advance, because those hours fill up first on holiday days.

All Day in Kaş: The Square, Uzunçarşı and the Bays

After the ceremony at sea, the streets of Kaş come alive. At the official ceremony in Republic Square there are speeches, students recite poems about the Republic, and music performances take the stage. Afterwards, a coffee in the flag-draped stone streets of Uzunçarşı is one of the nicest parts of the day.

You can give the afternoon back to the sea. At the end of October the water is still good for swimming, and the bays are free of summer crowds. That's why taking a Kaş boat tour during holiday week is the best way to fit quiet coves and the energy of the square into one vacation. On a Kaş boat tour you can swim, have lunch while looking out at Meis (Kastellorizo), and return to the square in the evening rested and full of energy.

💡 Captain Ergun's Tip: Be sure to join the celebrations in Uzunçarşı and in the square. Wear comfortable shoes, charge your phone, and bring a light jacket for the evening; the sea breeze cools October nights.

The Magic of the Evening: The Lantern Parade

As soon as dusk falls, the whole town lights up with torches. People walk to Republic Square carrying flags and torches, singing marches along the way. At the square there is a moment of silence, the national anthem is sung, and the mayor gives a speech. A free concert follows; in recent years beloved names like Zakkum and Soner Arıca have taken the stage. In earlier years, the night was rounded off with a laser show projecting the flag and Atatürk's portrait onto the sea, followed by fireworks.

💡 Captain Ergun's Tip: Don't just watch the lantern parade from the side; walk in it. The sound, the light and the feeling of the crowd around you can't be captured in a photo.

The Story Behind the Holiday

The Republic was proclaimed on 29 October 1923. A year later, in 1924, a decree ordered that the anniversary be marked with a 101-gun salute and a special program. Over time the celebration settled into a familiar rhythm: an official ceremony in the morning and a lantern parade at night, the most emotional way to carry the light of the Republic into the streets. In Kaş, sea, sky and square join in too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in Kaş on 29 October?

On Republic Day there is a parade of flag-decked boats at sea, an official ceremony in Republic Square, a lantern parade in the evening and a concert. In past years the program has also included a paratrooper show, a laser show and fireworks.

Is there a ceremony at sea on the morning of the holiday in Kaş?

Yes. Boats decorated with flags leave the harbor and hold a parade on the water. It is one of the most special moments that set Kaş's celebration apart from other coastal towns.

Is it free to join the lantern parade?

Yes, the lantern parade is open to everyone and free of charge. Any visitor who wants to walk together with the people of Kaş can join.

Is there a concert in the square on holiday evening?

Yes, Kaş Municipality organizes a public concert after the lantern parade. The performing artist changes every year and is usually announced close to the holiday.

Do boat tours run in Kaş during the holiday?

Yes, boat tours continue at the end of October. Because holiday days are busy, booking ahead is the safer choice, especially for morning tours.

Is it hard to find accommodation in Kaş during holiday week?

It can be. The holiday is one of Kaş's most popular autumn getaways, and boutique hotels and guesthouses fill up early. It's wise to arrange your stay a few weeks ahead.

Will I have trouble parking in Kaş during the holiday?

The town center gets crowded on holiday evening. It's easiest to leave your car where you're staying and walk, since central Kaş is small enough to explore on foot anyway.

Celebrate the Holiday at Sea and on Land

Holiday time in Kaş is warm, close-knit and full of energy. A morning at sea, a day in the square and Uzunçarşı, and an evening walking with torches make this small town unforgettable. Adding a Kaş boat tour to your plans is the most enjoyable way to complete that trio. Reserve your spot, blend the holiday excitement with Kaş's blue water, and see you at sea and at the lantern parade on 29 October.