Major Events & Festivals in Mashhad, Iran

1. Imam Reza Shrine

The world's largest mosque complex, holding the tomb of the 8th Imam of Shia Islam. It is a significant pilgrimage site for millions.

Architectural Beauty: Stunning architecture that blends elements from different eras.
Spiritual Significance: A significant religious and cultural site for Shia Muslims worldwide.
Crowded During Holidays: Expect large crowds, especially during religious holidays like Ashura.

An annual festival celebrated on the eve of the birth anniversary of Imam Reza (AS), offering a vibrant display of cultural and religious activities.

Cultural Experience: Showcases traditional music, dance, and cuisine.
Religious Significance: Provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and worship.
Large-scale Event: Expects massive attendance, with millions gathering each year.

An annual event featuring beautiful flower exhibitions, competitions, and workshops showcasing various floral species.

Natural Beauty: A feast for the eyes, with stunning displays of flowers and plants.
Educational Opportunities: Offers workshops and talks on horticulture and floristry.
Seasonal Event: Held in spring, providing a colorful contrast to the desert landscape.

An annual event featuring local and international musicians, showcasing various genres of music.

Music Variety: Offers a diverse range of musical styles to cater to all tastes.
Cultural Exchange: Provides an opportunity for cultural exchange between artists and audiences.
Multiple Venues: Events take place in various venues throughout the city.

A yearly event showcasing books, authors, and publishing houses from Iran and around the world.

Book Variety: Offers a wide variety of books across different genres and topics.
Author Meetups: Provides opportunities for fans to meet their favorite authors.
Cultural Exchange: Encourages cultural exchange and dialogue through literature.

A biennial car race in the desert near Mashhad, featuring off-road vehicles and motorbikes.

Adventure Sport: An adrenaline-pumping adventure sport event.
Desert Landscape: Takes place in the breathtaking desert landscape of Iran.
Competitive Racing: Competing teams race across challenging terrain for bragging rights.

An annual event showcasing Iranian and international films, with awards given to the best productions.

Film Variety: Offers a diverse range of films across different genres.
Cultural Exchange: Provides an opportunity for cultural exchange through film.
Star Appearances: Attracts famous Iranian and international actors and filmmakers.

An annual theatre festival featuring the traditional Persian play 'Noh,' combining music, dance, and storytelling.

Cultural Heritage: Showcases a centuries-old tradition of Persian theatre.
Artistic Expression: Offers unique artistic performances that are rare outside Iran.
Multiple Venues: Performances take place in various venues throughout the city.

A yearly event showcasing Iranian and international products, services, and technologies.

Business Opportunities: Provides business opportunities for entrepreneurs and companies.
Industry Insights: Offers insights into the latest trends and innovations in various industries.
Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities for networking with industry professionals.

An annual event showcasing calligraphy, illustrations, and translations of the Holy Quran.

Religious Significance: Offers a unique look at artistic interpretations of the Holy Quran.
Cultural Exchange: Provides an opportunity for cultural exchange through Islamic art and literature.
Artistic Beauty: Features stunning displays of calligraphy, illustrations, and manuscripts.

A biennial event showcasing various forms of performing arts from around the world.

Artistic Diversity: Offers a diverse range of artistic performances.
Cultural Exchange: Provides an opportunity for cultural exchange through the performing arts.
Star Appearances: Attracts famous international artists and performers.

A yearly event showcasing the latest advancements in science and technology, featuring exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.

Innovation Showcase: Showcases the latest innovations in science and technology.
Educational Opportunities: Provides educational opportunities through workshops and lectures.
Networking Opportunities: Offers networking opportunities with scientists, researchers, and industry professionals.

An annual event showcasing the diverse culinary traditions of Iran and the world.

Culinary Variety: Offers a wide variety of foods representing different countries.
Cultural Exchange: Provides an opportunity for cultural exchange through food and cuisine.
Food Tasting Opportunities: Allows visitors to taste traditional dishes from around the world.

A biennial event showcasing contemporary visual art, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation.

Artistic Innovation: Showcases innovative artistic expressions and ideas.
Cultural Exchange: Provides an opportunity for cultural exchange through contemporary art.
Artist Showcase: Features works by renowned Iranian and international artists.

An annual event focusing on women's rights, empowerment, and achievements in various fields.

Women Empowerment: Highlights the accomplishments of Iranian and international women.
Cultural Exchange: Provides an opportunity for cultural exchange through discussions on gender issues.
Networking Opportunities: Offers networking opportunities with women leaders and professionals.