The city of Halabja opened its 11th Pomegranate and Autumn Festival on Thursday, drawing massive crowds eager to enjoy the region’s vibrant culture and local products. The three-day event celebrates the harvest season and showcases the unique craftsmanship and agricultural heritage of Kurdistan.
Festival organizers expect around 300,000 visitors this year, surpassing last year’s attendance of 285,000. The festival is managed by a four-member committee that oversees the entire program, including more than 650 booths featuring local goods.
Committee member Arsalan Abid said that 250 of these booths display pomegranates and other autumn fruits. The remaining sections focus on women’s handicrafts, traditional Kurdish dishes, and cultural exhibits. “We want to promote local produce and encourage more families to engage in farming and artisanal work,” Abid explained.
Visitors can also buy locally made molasses, honey, and dried foods, as organizers require all products to come from the Kurdistan Region. The event provides a valuable opportunity for small farmers and local businesses to expand their customer base and strengthen Halabja’s position as a center of agricultural excellence.
In celebration of the event, Thursday was declared a local holiday in Halabja, while the remaining festival days will align with the weekend. With music, food, and community pride filling the streets, Halabja once again proves that its pomegranates—and its people—are symbols of Kurdish resilience and prosperity.