Grape festival kicks off in northwestern Iran

The 5th edition of the Urmia Grape Festival has kicked off in the northwestern Iranian city of the same name this week.

The grape festival of Iran commenced in the city of Urmia, the capital of West Azerbaijan province, on Friday, with a variety of parades, exhibits of grapes and grape products planned.

The nine-day event is aimed at supporting local farmers, grape cultivars and gardeners, as well as to help promote Urmia as a national city of grapes in both tourism and economic arenas.

The festival also helps draw awareness to the endangered Lake Urmia and the painstaking efforts underway towards restoring the landmark.

Hundreds of acres of vineyards are located within the limits of the northwestern province.

AI/AI