Halabja – The annual Halabja Pomegranate and Autumn Festival welcomed more than 400,000 visitors this year, celebrating the region’s rich agricultural produce and cultural heritage.
The festival, now in its 11th edition, features hundreds of booths showcasing local fruits, pomegranates, handmade crafts, and traditional Kurdish cuisine. Organizers divided the exhibition into sections for produce, handicrafts, and culinary specialties, allowing visitors to explore the diversity of local products.
Officials noted that the event provides a vital platform for farmers and artisans, helping them reach wider markets while promoting economic growth in Halabja. “This festival strengthens both our economy and cultural identity,” one organizer said.
In addition to commerce, the festival includes cultural performances, music, and interactive workshops for families and youth. Local authorities declared the first day of the festival a public holiday, encouraging widespread participation from residents and visitors alike.
The Halabja Pomegranate Festival continues to gain popularity, drawing tourists from across the Kurdistan Region and neighboring areas, and positioning the city as a hub for cultural and agricultural tourism.