To mark Tourism Week in Turkey, the Patara Muhtarligi and the Patara Turizm Dernegi organised a free picnic walk on Sunday 19th April, between Delikkemer and Patara on the Lycian Way.  This is the fifth year that the event has been organised, and residents of Kalkan, Kaş and other nearby places were once again invited to join in the fun.

The weather was just perfect for the estimated crowd of 250, who had all made their way to the start at the Roman aquaduct in Delikkemer.  People then took to the Lycian Way to make their way to the picnic area, accompanied by a nomadic procession which included men in traditional dress, gipsy musicians (from Fethiye), three camels (from Myra), a few horses (from Patara Horseriding Club) and a donkey (from Yeşilköy).  Somewhere along the route a flock of sheep gatecrashed and tagged along.

Just before 12 noon the caravan descended upon the picnic spot by a well, midway between Delikkemer and Patara.  The walkers were joined by others who had made their way by road directly to the picnic spot, swelling the numbers to between 300 and 350.

The assembled gathering was entertained by local musicians Mehmet Akgul, Ibo Demirhan and Fethi Azak.  After lunch we were treated to a wonderful display of folk dancing by a group of young girls from Kınık, in colourful traditional outfits.

Food at the picnic was prepared and cooked by the chefs from the Aspendos Restaurant, Tlos Restaurant and Golden Restaurant in Patara, and was served by Patara waiters who work in the restaurants and at the beach cafe.  We were treated to a feast of chicken, rice, salad, bread, plus assorted drinks.

Many people then went on to complete the 12km walk to Patara, assembling near the Golden Restaurant, bringing what little traffic there was to a temporary halt, whilst celebrations and dancing continued in the main road.

Finally, the organisers arranged transport to take people back to their cars in Delikkemer, or back to Kalkan.

Patara may only be a small village of 750 inhabitants, but they certainly know how to organise a party, and the warmth of their hospitality is truly outstanding.  The Otlu family appear to be key to organising this event, and it would be remiss not to mention Muzaffer Otlu, who not only dressed in traditional costume on the day, but was one of the main event organisers.  All in all, a really great day out.

KTLN would also like to thank Anne-Louise, Muzaffer's partner, for her help in supplying some of the details for our report.

If you didn't make it this year, put a note in your diaries for next year.