TEHRAN—A national festival dedicated to the Iranian ethnic groups and heritage will be open to the public in Tehran on Thursday, IRNA reported on Tuesday.

Entitled “Dear Iran”, the festival aims at promoting the culture, customs, and traditions of different ethnic groups from across the country.

This festival also aims to introduce young Iranians to the characteristics of different ethnic groups in a bid to strengthen their sense of national identity.

The event seeks to bring together Lur, Kurd, Azeri, Baloch, Turkmen, Gilaki, Mazani, Arab, Bakhtyiari, Qashqai, and other groups from across, the country, the report said.

A different Iranian ethnic group will be celebrated on each day of the festival, which is planned to include folk music, local foods, and various performances.

A handicrafts market will also be set up on the sidelines of the festival, which will run until October 21.

Iran is home to many regional people, including ones with Turk and Arab elements, in addition to the Kurds, Baloch, Bakhtyari, Lurs, and other smaller minorities such as Armenians, Assyrians, Jews, among others.

Language, music, indigenous cuisine, clothing, songs, anecdotes, crafts, live performances, and local rituals such as celebrations and wedding ceremonies have always spurred many to experience life among the tribes.

ABU/AM