Major Events & Festivals in Kabul, Afghanistan

1. Eid-ul-Fitr Festival

Celebration marking the end of Ramadan, Kabul's largest Islamic holiday filled with family gatherings, feasts and prayers.

Cultural Immersion: Provides an opportunity to experience Afghan Islamic culture deeply.
Community Gathering: Allows travellers to interact with locals in a festive atmosphere.
Local Cuisine Delight: Enjoy traditional Afghan dishes during the festival feasts.

Persian New Year celebrations featuring parades, music, and family visits.

Historical Significance: Witnesses the continuation of a tradition dating back over 3000 years.
Multi-Cultural Exchange: Experience various Persian, Afghan and Central Asian cultural elements.
Colorful Festivities: Enjoy vibrant parades, music, dance and clothing during the Nowruz celebrations.

Celebration of the arrival of Spring with traditional music, dance, and feasts.

Natural Beauty: Witnesses the blooming of various flowers in Kabul's parks and gardens.
Cultural Presentation: Enjoy cultural performances showcasing Afghan music, dance, and traditions.
Community Unity: Experience a sense of unity among Kabul's diverse communities during the festival.

Celebration of Hazaras' rich culture, music, and food in central Afghanistan.

Ethnic Pride: Provides an insight into the unique culture and history of the Hazara community.
Cultural Exchange: Allows travellers to interact with Hazaras and learn about their traditions.
Artistic Expression: Enjoy various forms of Hazara art, music, and poetry during the festival.

Annual event showcasing Afghan and international films, providing a platform for artistic expression.

Cultural Exchange: Offers an opportunity to learn about various cultures through cinema.
Artistic Innovation: Encourages artistic expression and innovation in Afghan filmmaking.
Networking Opportunities: Meet industry professionals, actors, and filmmakers during the festival.

Annual marathon event attracting runners from around the world.

Physical Challenge: Test your endurance and running abilities in Kabul's unique terrain.
Cultural Exchange: Interact with runners from different countries during the event.
Historical Sites Tour: Run through some of Kabul's historical sites, including the old city and Bala Hissar Fortress.

Annual event where participants fly kites in various shapes and sizes.

Local Tradition: Experience a traditional Afghan activity enjoyed by both children and adults.
Competitive Spirit: Witness skilled kite flyers competing for prizes and bragging rights.
Scenic Views: Enjoy the beautiful scenic views of Kabul while watching the kites fly.

Annual awards ceremony honoring Afghan musicians and their contributions to music.

Cultural Appreciation: Recognizes the rich musical heritage of Afghanistan.
Artistic Recognition: Provides a platform for emerging and established Afghan artists.
Entertainment Value: Enjoy the glamour, music performances, and star-studded event.

Annual book fair featuring Afghan and international authors.

Cultural Exchange: Provides an opportunity to learn about various cultures through literature.
Knowledge Sharing: Discover new perspectives and ideas through various books and discussions.
Meeting Authors: Meet Afghan and international authors during the fair.

Annual equestrian event showcasing traditional Afghan horse riding skills.

Traditional Skills: Witness the amazing horsemanship and riding skills of Afghan riders.
Community Gathering: Join horse enthusiasts from Kabul and around Afghanistan.
Historical Context: Learn about the historical significance of horses in Afghan culture.

Annual winter sports festival featuring skiing and snowboarding competitions.

Adventure Seekers: Provides an opportunity for adventure seekers to enjoy the slopes of Afghanistan.
Cultural Exchange: Interact with international and local winter sports enthusiasts during the event.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy breathtaking mountain views while participating in winter sports activities.

Annual fashion event showcasing Afghan and international designers.

Fashion Forward: Stay updated on the latest Afghan and international fashion trends.
Artistic Expression: Enjoy various fashion shows, exhibitions, and workshops during the event.
Networking Opportunities: Meet designers, models, and fashion industry professionals during Kabul Fashion Week.

Biannual art event showcasing Afghan and international artists.

Artistic Expression: Experience the creative and innovative works of Afghan artists.
Cultural Exchange: Discover new perspectives through various artistic mediums.
Networking Opportunities: Meet artists, art collectors, and curators during the event.

Annual photography festival showcasing Afghan and international photographers.

Visual Storytelling: Discover the stories behind various photographs and their subjects.
Cultural Exchange: Learn about different cultures through the medium of photography.
Photography Workshops: Improve your photography skills by attending workshops led by professional photographers.

Annual food festival celebrating Afghan and international cuisines.

Culinary Delights: Indulge in various delicious dishes from Afghanistan and around the world.
Cultural Exchange: Experience different culinary traditions during the festival.
Cooking Demonstrations: Learn new recipes and cooking techniques from professional chefs.