Major Events & Festivals in Kermānshāh, Iran

Kermānshāh, Iran, Kermānshāh, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in Kermānshāh, Iran

1. Tirgan Festival

Celebrated in mid-summer, this Zoroastrian festival showcases traditional music, dance, and fire jumping.
  • Unique Cultural Experience: Offers a rare glimpse into the rich Zoroastrian culture of Iran
  • Community Participation: Involves active participation from locals and tourists alike
  • Timing for Beat the Heat: Held in the peak of summer, it provides a refreshing break from the heat

2. Shabe Yalda

Celebrated on the longest night of the year, this festival marks the beginning of winter and is filled with food, poetry, and storytelling.
  • Family Bonding: A traditional occasion for families to gather and enjoy each other's company
  • Persian Literature: Features recitation of classic Persian poetry and stories
  • Celebration of Light: Involves the lighting of candles to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness

3. Naqsh-e Rostam Festival

Annual event showcasing Achaemenid history and culture through performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
  • Historical Insight: Provides an understanding of the ancient Persian Empire's history
  • Artistic Expression: Features traditional art forms and performances
  • Cultural Exchange: Encourages dialogue and exchange between Iranian and international artists

4. Behdinan International Music Festival

A multi-day event featuring a variety of music genres, with performances by local and international artists.
  • Musical Diversity: Showcases a wide range of music styles from around the world
  • Cultural Exchange: Promotes cross-cultural understanding through music
  • Live Performances: Offers unique opportunities to see renowned artists perform live

5. Garmeh Desert Festival

A three-day event showcasing desert life and culture through music, dance, and traditional activities.
  • Desert Immersion: Provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Iranian desert
  • Cultural Exchange: Encourages dialogue and exchange between locals, tourists, and artists
  • Nomadic Lifestyle: Highlights the nomadic lifestyle of Iran's desert-dwelling communities

6. Khorramabad Spring Festival

A spring celebration featuring traditional music, dance, and food, showcasing the region's rich culture.
  • Cultural Immersion: Allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture
  • Seasonal Celebration: Marking the arrival of spring, it offers a refreshing and uplifting atmosphere
  • Community Spirit: Brings together the local community in a spirit of celebration

7. Qasr-e Shirin International Festival

An annual event showcasing Persian art, music, and literature, attracting artists from around the world.
  • Artistic Excellence: Features top-tier performances by renowned artists
  • Cultural Exchange: Promotes cross-cultural understanding and dialogue
  • Historical Setting: Held in the stunning setting of Qasr-e Shirin, a Sassanian-era castle

8. Anahita Temple Festival

A spiritual event dedicated to Anahita, the Iranian goddess of water and fertility.
  • Religious Significance: Offers insights into ancient Iranian religions
  • Spiritual Connection: Encourages a deeper connection with Iran's spiritual heritage
  • Natural Beauty: Takes place in the beautiful and serene surroundings of the Anahita Temple

9. Ashtar-e Cheragh Festival

A Lighweight racing festival where participants race horses carrying lanterns to the top of a mountain.
  • Adventure and Excitement: Provides an exciting and unique experience
  • Local Tradition: Reflects a centuries-old tradition in Kermanshah
  • Natural Scenery: Takes place in the breathtaking natural scenery of Ashtar-e Cheraqh

10. Tapa Qerehsurani Festival

A traditional festival celebrating the harvest season with music, dance, and food.
  • Cultural Tradition: Highlights the agricultural traditions of Kermanshah
  • Community Celebration: Brings together the local community to celebrate the harvest season
  • Taste of Local Cuisine: Features traditional dishes made from fresh, locally-grown ingredients

11. Pol-e Dokhtar International Festival

An annual festival showcasing the region's history, art, and culture in the stunning Pol-e Dokhtar Archaeological Site.
  • Historical Significance: Offers insights into the rich history of ancient Iran
  • Cultural Exchange: Promotes cross-cultural understanding and dialogue
  • Archaeological Wonders: Takes place in the awe-inspiring setting of Pol-e Dokhtar

12. Bisotun Relief Festival

A celebration of Achaemenid art and history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bisotun.
  • Historical Insight: Offers a unique understanding of the Achaemenid Empire
  • Artistic Masterpieces: Showcases the incredible artistry of the Bisotun Reliefs
  • Cultural Exchange: Promotes cross-cultural understanding and dialogue

13. Esfandi Festival

A traditional Persian New Year celebration in the historic city of Khorramabad.
  • Cultural Tradition: Highlights the ancient Persian traditions associated with Nowruz
  • Community Celebration: Brings together the local community in a spirit of celebration
  • Fresh Start: Signifies the beginning of a new year, offering renewed hope and optimism

14. Shab-e Chele Soureh Festival

A winter solstice celebration featuring music, dance, and fire jumping to ward off evil spirits.
  • Cultural Tradition: Highlights the ancient Iranian traditions associated with the winter solstice
  • Community Bonding: Brings together families and friends in a spirit of unity and camaraderie
  • Celebration of Light: Involves the lighting of candles and fires to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness

15. Kermanshah International Film Festival

A film festival showcasing Iranian and international cinema, fostering cultural dialogue and exchange.
  • Artistic Expression: Features a diverse range of films from around the world
  • Cultural Exchange: Promotes cross-cultural understanding and dialogue through cinema
  • Film Industry Insights: Offers insights into the Iranian film industry and its global influences