TEHRAN – The fifth grape festival of Iran kicks off today in Urmia, the capital of West Azarbaijan province, with variety of parades, exhibits of grapes and grape products planned.

The nine-day event is aimed to back native grape cultivars, gardeners, and help to promote Urmia as a national city of grapes in both tourism and economic arenas.

Organized under the auspices of the Urmia municipality, the festival also keeps an eye on the endangered Lake Urmia and painstaking efforts being underway for restoring it.

Hundreds of acres of vineyards lie within the limits of the northwestern province.

PHOTO: A poster for the fifth Urmia Grape Festival

AFM/MG