TEHRAN – A celebration of bread and ethnic foods, Semnan’s inaugural Taska Festival has been set to run from May 8 to 10 as part of the Silk Road Tourism Festival.

Aiming to promote traditional and healthy Iranian cuisine, the event showcase Semnan’s local products and forgotten foods, and boost the local economy through cultural and touristic engagement, according to organizers.
In a recent interview with ISNA, Semnan Mayor, Hossein Mousavi unveiled plans for the city's first festival celebrating the diversity of bread and ethnic foods, titled “Taska”.

Scheduled from May 8 to 10, the event forms part of the broader Silk Road Tourism Festival and aims to highlight the city's rich cultural and culinary traditions, the mayor highlighted.

Mousavi further detailed that the festival would span three days and focus on promoting healthy and traditional Iranian cuisine, local Semnan delicacies and providing a platform for local businesses specializing in traditional and forgotten foods.

“The festival will feature segments dedicated to traditional and local cuisines,” Mousavi explained. “A variety of sweets, desserts, beverages and bread types.”

According to the head of Semnan's International Silk Road Center, the festival's program will include traditional music performances, exhibitions, museum tours, artistic workshops, and the introduction of Semnan’s historical and natural attractions.

Handicraft exhibitions are also on the agenda, adding a cultural dimension to the culinary experience, Mousavi added.

Highlighting Semnan's historical significance and diverse capabilities, the mayor expressed that showcasing the city's potential could significantly boost the local economy, especially in developing its tourism industry. He mentioned Semnan’s membership in the Cities Along The Silk Road Union as an opportunity to promote its cultural, touristic and civilizational assets, thereby contributing further to the city's growth and development.

In addition to the Taska Festival, Mousavi announced plans for various special programs and festivals throughout the year, including the mint tourism festival, an ethnic festival, a desert sky special program commemorating Astronomy Day and a performance by the Silk Road Symphony Orchestra.

The mayor emphasized the importance of community involvement in these events, aligning with this year's slogan, “The Year of Production Leap with People's Participation.”

In his concluding remarks, Mousavi called on the residents to participate actively in these cultural and tourism events, highlighting their role in enhancing community hope and social vitality.

Semnan, a province located in northern Iran, boasts a rich culinary heritage that reflects the geographical and cultural tapestry of the region. Its traditional foods are deeply intertwined with its history, climate, and local customs, offering a unique taste of Iranian culinary diversity.