First Date and Folk Arts Festival Concludes in Khanaqin

Habib Faraj/PUKMEDIA

Folk dancing at the Date and Folk Arts Festival in Khanaqin.

The first Date and Folk Arts Festival concluded on Sunday evening, 12 October 2026, along the Khanaqin Corniche on the banks of the Al-Wand River, attracting large crowds and celebrating the city’s rich Kurdish heritage, agricultural wealth and folk traditions.

Traditional Kurdish clothing, featuring vibrant colours and intricate designs, was among the highlights of the three-day event, creating a colourful display of cultural identity and traditions passed down through generations.

The festival was organised by the Salam Cultural House in Khanaqin in cooperation with the General Directorate of Culture and Arts in Garmian and the Khanaqin Directorate of Culture and Arts. It featured a wide range of agricultural, cultural, artistic and heritage activities.

Orchard owners from Khanaqin and various districts and sub-districts of Diyala Governorate took part, presenting hundreds of varieties of dates and date-based products. Local artisans also showcased handicrafts highlighting the skills and creativity of the area’s residents.

The Iranian city of Kermanshah also participated, displaying varieties of natural honey and pomegranate juice. The contribution highlighted the role of cultural and artistic exchange in strengthening ties and cooperation between neighbouring communities.

An art gathering brought together visual artists from Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, Diyala and Khanaqin, who exhibited paintings inspired by the city’s landmarks, natural landscapes and the beauty of the Al-Wand River. Their work aimed to document Khanaqin’s heritage and natural environment through visual art.

The programme also included musical performances and traditional artistic displays, adding to the festival’s lively atmosphere.

The inaugural festival marked an effort to promote Khanaqin’s agricultural resources, particularly its date production, while supporting orchard owners, craftspeople and local artists. It also sought to preserve folk traditions and strengthen cultural and social ties among the region’s diverse communities.



PUKMEDIA