Istanbul’s famous İstiklal Avenue turned pink as thousands of smiley balloons fell from the sky to mark April Fools’ Day. The most humorous day of the year was celebrated with 100.000 balloons which were inflated by more than 200 hundreds volunteers.
The noise of popping balloons mixed with the sounds of a music group aimed to make people dance and play like children for a day as part of “Smile Istanbul” an event organized by Simurg Tourism Investment Inc. and the Lush Hotel.
As balloons were thrown from the roofs of five buildings on both sides of İstiklal Avenue starting at noon, many people rushed toward them, not to play with the balloons, but to jump on them and pop them, an activity some stressed-out urbanites said they found very relaxing.
Many people followed a rhythm band that walked from Taksim Square to the front of Galatasaray High School while playing music. Pink balloons, saying “Smile Istanbul” that were carried by organizers attracted attention.
