Zanjan prepares to host national Aash Festival, crafts fair
The cauldrons will soon be lit in Zanjan as the province prepares to host two of Iran’s major cultural events simultaneously. The 19th National Iranian Aash Festival and the 20th National Crafts and Souvenirs Fair will be held from August 24 to 28.
Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Zanjan Province Seyyed Mikaeil Mousavi said extensive preparations are underway for what is considered the province’s most important annual tourism event, Mehr News Agency wrote.
He said two venues — the Zanjan International Exhibition Center and the Gavazang Recreation Complex — are being evaluated to host the events, with coordination already carried out with the International Exhibitions Company and Zanjan Municipality. The department’s priority, he added, is to hold the festival in an open-air setting.
“An outdoor venue offers a more attractive atmosphere for tourists, visitors and local residents,” Mousavi said. “Families can enjoy the green spaces and picnic areas while visiting different sections of the festival.”
He noted that the Gavazang Complex will host the festival if the necessary infrastructure is completed; otherwise, other venues will be considered. Nevertheless, organizers remain committed to staging the event in a public, open-air environment.
Mousavi stressed that the National Aash Festival is far more than a culinary event, describing it as a celebration deeply rooted in Iranian culture, religious traditions, social customs and even traditional medicine.
He said Aash, the traditional thick Iranian soup, holds a special place in Iranian culture, from religious votive offerings to medicinal recipes prepared for various illnesses, giving the festival cultural, religious and social significance.
According to Mousavi, organizers had originally planned to hold the festival in spring, when fresh mountain herbs are naturally available for preparing traditional Aash. However, the event was postponed because of the military attacks by Israel and the US to Iran.
Despite the delay, he said, the festival could not be cancelled because of its status as a nationally registered event. Organizers therefore decided to schedule it during the final month of the summer holidays to attract a larger number of visitors.
He added that efforts will be made to return the festival to its original spring schedule in future years to restore its original concept.
This year’s program will extend well beyond cooking competitions. Provinces from across Iran will participate by preparing their regional varieties of Aash while also showcasing nomadic black tents, traditional foods, indigenous customs and cultural performances.
Live presentations of regional traditions, exhibitions of local cuisine, displays of provincial souvenirs, introductions to Iran’s World Crafts Cities, and showcases by handicraft artists from across the country will also be featured.
Mousavi said the festival aims not only to introduce Zanjan’s tourism potential but also to encourage longer visitor stays, boost the local tourism economy and support Iran’s handicraft artists.