TEHRAN - Amol is set to host a festival of local games and sports intended to help revive indigenous cultural practices of the northern Iranian city.

Mehdi Bahmani, Amol’s cultural heritage chief, announced the one-day festival will be held on May 15.

“The festival is a collaborative effort involving related organizations such as Shomal University, the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO…,” Bahmani further elaborated.

The official pointed out that the festival aims to revive and showcase traditional games such as Haft Sang, Dajbal (Vasati), Aghuzka (walnut game), Tug of war, stick pulling and Chelik Mareka.

Bahmani emphasized the cultural significance of local games as not only a reflection of the region’s cultural identity but also as an effective means of attracting tourists.

“Public holidays, particularly Nowruz and summer, provide an excellent opportunity to engage tourists with these traditional activities,” the official added, “which have been gradually fading into obscurity.”

Highlighting the importance of these cultural elements, Bahmani remarked that traditional games should receive more attention and preservation efforts.

He also pinpointed that the festival serves as a platform to promote cultural heritage tourism and educate both locals and visitors about the cultural richness of the area.

As claimed by the provincial officials, the one-day festival promises to offer a vibrant display of Amol’s cultural and sports heritage, appealing to a diverse audience, including cultural enthusiasts, tourists, and local communities.

XF