TEHRAN- The 8th edition of the Arbaeen Pilgrimage International Theater Festival is scheduled to take place from Saturday until August 25 in Iraq and the border regions of Iran.

The initiative, which started in 2016 with 60 ritual theater artists at the Art Bureau's Center for Dramatic Arts, is expected to feature 150 to 200 participating artists this year, according to a report from the public relations office of the Art Bureau on Thursday.

The event will unfold in two main sections, along the Iran-Iraq border and on the Arbaeen pilgrimage route, the report added.  

This international festival is held annually as a cultural vow by ritual theater artists without any form of payment or compensation. Over the course of eight days, it will showcase various genres and forms of performance art along the Arbaeen pilgrimage route leading to Karbala, welcoming Iranian audiences as well as pilgrims from Arab countries.

In the Iran section of the festival, performances will include tazieh (Iranian passion play), in Persian and Arabic, street theater, Naqqali (Iranian dramatic story-telling), as well as anthem and poetry reading sessions at the Shalamcheh, Khosrovi, Chazabeh, Bashmagh, and Mehran borders. Additionally, the presence of eulogists will further enrich the festival's atmosphere and spirituality.

The "Narrative of the Pilgrims" segment in Iraq will commence with two days of performances in Najaf, followed by four days along the Arbaeen Walk route and three additional days in Karbala. These ritual performances will feature three tazieh groups and three street theater groups in both Persian and Arabic. A choir well-versed in both languages will adapt their performances to the audience's needs, while poets will also recite works in both languages.

This year's festival stands out from past editions due to its focus on performances addressing the theme of Gaza, specifically highlighting recent events and drawing parallels between the oppression of the Palestinian people and the tragedy of Karbala.

Hundreds of thousands of Iranians embark on a journey to the Iraqi city of Karbala to observe the holy day of Arbaeen at the holy shrines of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Imam of the Shia, and his brother, Hazrat Abbas (AS).       

Arbaeen, which will be observed on August 25 this year, marks the end of the 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of the Imam and his loyal companions on Ashura.

SAB/