Villages in Iranian Kurdistan celebrate second annual walnut festival

Villages in Iranian Kurdistan celebrate second annual walnut festival

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Villages in western Iran’s Kurdistan province hosted their second annual walnut festival on Friday, an event designed to promote the region’s rich agricultural produce and strengthen ties within the local community while drawing visitors from across the country.

The festival took place in the villages of Balchasur and Mamwala, located in the Komasi area, widely known as the “walnut capital” of Sanandaj. Organizers said the event is growing each year and aims to highlight the area's organic products for visitors from near and far.

Local vendors showcase traditional foods and products

Bahar Saeedpour, one of the vendors participating in the event, said this year’s festival attracted far more people than the previous edition. “This is the second year, and thankfully it was very successful,” she said. “Last year it felt like a small family gathering, but this year the turnout is much bigger.”

Saeedpour noted that villagers prepared a variety of local goods for attendees, including walnuts and traditional kulera flatbread. She described the event as an important opportunity for families to share their heritage with visitors.

Festival promotes culture, unity, and regional identity

Event organizer Ibrahim Rahimi said the festival serves not only to support local agriculture but also to showcase the cultural identity of the region. “The festival reflects our culture and traditions,” he said. “I hope it helps develop cultural and social life here and strengthens unity among our people.”

Rahimi also emphasized the importance of introducing the area’s walnut production to a wider audience. “Our goal is to make the quality of our walnuts known not just in Marivan and Sanandaj, but across Iran and internationally,” he added.

Handicrafts and cultural products attract visitors

Alongside walnuts and food stalls, the festival featured local handicrafts made by villagers. Visitors from different parts of Kurdistan province came to enjoy the event and support regional artisans.

Kijan Saeedpour, a visitor from Marivan, said she and her family enjoyed the festival’s atmosphere. “I came from Marivan to Balchasur to attend the festival,” she said. “There are many people here and everyone is having a good time. I love festivals like this because women, men, and children all participate, and it helps promote the village.”

Kurdistan remains a major walnut-producing region

Kurdistan Province ranks second in Iran in walnut production, with 11,000 hectares of orchards producing nearly 29,000 tons of walnuts annually. A portion of the harvest is exported to other Kurdish areas, other provinces in Iran, and international markets, contributing to the region’s agricultural economy.