TEHRAN - A vibrant festival dedicated to daffodils will be held in Khafr county of the southern Fars province, on December 28 and 29, announced a local tourism official.

Ali-Asghar Taheri revealed that the upcoming festival aims not only to showcase the stunning daffodils but also to spotlight the cultural and historical richness of the county.

“We intend to introduce the distinct cultural heritage and historical significance of our region,” Taheri elaborated on Monday.

The festival promises an immersive experience as it unveils a tapestry of the county's essence. Notably, this year's edition boasts the presence of 30 booths, meticulously designed to display and sell an array of agricultural and artisanal products. These booths will be run by local producers and skilled craftspeople, offering visitors a chance to indulge in the county's finest offerings.

Daffodils hold profound symbolism in Persian culture and literature, often emblematic of the beloved's eye. The poetry in Persian tradition frequently likens the beloved to the daffodil, drawing parallels with its leafless, green stem—a symbol of humility and dignity, characterized by its hollow, straw-like, and curved structure.

The Persian language itself is steeped in floral richness, with many girls bearing names inspired by flowers such as Ra’na (Blanket Flowers), Shaghayegh (Anemone), Banafsheh (Violet), Yaasaman (Jasmine), Niloofar (Lotus flower), Nastaran (Eglantine), Laleh (Tulip), and Narges (Daffodil), among others.

Fars, an ancient region, served as the nucleus of the Achaemenian Empire (550–330 BC), established by Cyrus the Great with its capital at Pasargadae. Later, Darius I the Great relocated the capital to the nearby marvel of Persepolis in the late 6th or early 5th century BC.

The provincial capital of Shiraz, renowned for its architectural splendor, stands as a testament to history and allure. Once the literary capital of Persia during the Zand dynasty from 1751 to 1794, Shiraz now entices both local and international sightseers with its captivating heritage.

AFM