TEHRAN – Tomorrow, Dezhkord in Iran’s Eqlid county begins its annual Almond Blossom Festival, a celebration of the stunning spring blooms that adorn the picturesque town.

Fars’s director-general of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, on Wednesday, announced that the Almond Blossom Festival would be participated by the Deputy Minister of Handicrafts along with several regional and local officials.

Mohammad Sabet-Eqlidi further explained that this vibrant one-day event is organized collaboratively by the city council, municipality and the citizens of Dezhkord.

The festival aims to showcase the unique cultural and agricultural heritage of the area, with a special emphasis on branding Dezhkord's almonds and promoting tourism and local products, the director-general added.

Featuring an array of activities such as traditional games, local music performances and exhibitions of local customs, the event is planned to appreciate the local capacities, according to Sabet-Eqlidi.

Regarding the arranged displays, the official added that local crafts and foods would be demonstrated and sold alongside traditional bread baking and an exhibition of agricultural products emphasizing the rich tapestry of the region.

A significant highlight of the festival will be the awarding of a national registration plaque to the mayor of Dezhkord for ‘Shahnameh khani’ and ‘bag weaving’, recognizing these practices as valuable cultural heritage.

“The Almond Blossom Festival is not only a celebration,” Sabet-Eqlidi noted. “But also, a strategic move to attract investments into the handicraft and tourism sectors of the region.”

Furthermore, he emphasized the festival’s role in promoting local attractions and crafts such as carpet weaving, gilim, jajim, gabbeh and traditional embroidery, which are significant economic activities in the area.

Dezhkord, with a population of around 10,000, is becoming an increasingly attractive destination within the Fars province, boasting scenic attractions and beautiful orchards, especially in spring.

Being situated adjacent to the Shiraz-Isfahan freeway also enhances Dezhkord’s accessibility and potential as a tourist hotspot, according to provincial officials.

Eqlid county, located in the northern part of Fars province in Iran, is a region steeped in history and natural beauty. Surrounded by the Zagros Mountains, it offers a picturesque landscape that combines rugged mountains with lush valleys, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Historically, Eqlid has served as a strategic crossroad between the central Iranian plateau and the Persian Gulf, influencing its cultural and historical development over the centuries.

The county features several historical mosques and shrines, including the Imamzadeh Ebrahim shrine, which draws pilgrims and tourists interested in the spiritual and architectural significance of the region.

The economy of Eqlid is primarily agricultural, particularly known for its production of wheat, almond and fruits such as apples, grapes and pomegranates.

This agricultural abundance is celebrated in local festivals and markets, which emphasize the connection of the community to its land.

Overall, Eqlid county is a region that combines natural beauty with a deep historical and cultural significance, making it a unique and enriching destination for enthusiasts.