IRAN

Festivals and Rituals

Festivity and celebration are an inseparable part of every culture. No matter where in the world you live, there are occasions that you and your fellow country mates celebrate. Persia, with its long history, is no exception. With such a long history, Iran has its share of interesting traditions that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the world.

IRAN

Festivals and Rituals

Festivity and celebration are an inseparable part of every culture. No matter where in the world you live, there are occasions that you and your fellow country mates celebrate. Persia, with its long history, is no exception. With such a long history, Iran has its share of interesting traditions that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the world.

A Number of Other Festivals

Iran attractions - Saffron Harvest

Saffron Harvest

The world’s most expensive spice, saffron, is used generously in Persian cooking. The South Khorasan province is well known for its saffron fields. Every year in November farmers hire many local people to harvest their saffron. The saffron flower should be hand-picked and the stigmas should be harvested with care.

Iran attractions - Rosewater Festival

Rosewater Festival

This festival is a delight to both the nose and the eyes. Kashan is best known for its historic houses, but it’s in this desert city that the fragrant pink Mohammadi rose blooms in abundance. Visit between late April and May when you can peek in on distilleries extracting the water from these delicate flowers, and take a few bottles with you to use in the kitchen or to add a unique Persian touch to your skincare routine.

Iran attractions - Pomegranate Festival

Pomegranate Festival

Pomegranate trees have a long history in Iran as these trees were planted in temples in the era of Zoroastrianism. During the pomegranate festival people play traditional local music, children wear colorful clothes, youngsters play local games and farmers present their crops and many other products made from pomegranate.
Iran attractions

Date Harvest Festival

Over 30 types of dates are grown in Iran, and one of the most famous is the Bam’s Mazafati date. Every year around September, when dates are ripe and ready, a week-long harvest festival takes place in Bam. Locals call this time of the year Khorma Pazan (dates are cooking).
Iran attractions - Kharman Festival

Kharman Festival

The celebration of Kharman (harvest) is a traditional, time honored ceremony in northern Iran. It is held at the end of the agricultural season after the planting and harvesting of wheat and rice to eliminate farm workers fatigue in spring. This celebration is a symbol of the gratitude, friendship and cooperation of the people and a way to preserve and revive ancient traditions and native culture.

Iran attractions - Mehregan Festival

Mehregan Festival

Mehregan is the second most important Persian festival after the New year festival, Nowruz, but it is not celebrated all over the country and is regarded as a festival for the Zoroastrian community. It is celebrated in honor of Mithra or Mehr, the God of love and friendship. Mehregan is also a celebration of the fall harvest, thanking God for a flourishing season ahead. Currently, in Yazd and Kerman, Zoroastrians celebrate this day by praying, slaughtering a sheep, wearing novel clothes and preparing a table of delicious food such as sweets, nuts and fruits.

Share this page

Rituals & Festivities

Please share your suggestions and thoughts with me.

Hello!
My name is Moein and I am an experienced licensed tour manager and guide. I am familiar with all places and events in Iran and committed to ensuring your time with me is a well-balanced mix of wonder, education and fun.