Erbil to Host First-Ever Flower and Bird Festival

“Our aim is to attract tourists and create an atmosphere full of joy and happiness for the people of Erbil and visitors,” the festival organizer said.

A hummingbird feeds on the nectar of a flower. (Photo: AFP)
A hummingbird feeds on the nectar of a flower. (Photo: AFP)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Erbil is set to bloom with colors, melodies, and celebration as it prepares to host its first-ever Flower and Bird Festival during the three days of the holy Ramadan Eid. The event promises to transform Shanader Park in the heart of the city into a vibrant oasis of ornamental beauty and avian splendor, welcoming residents and tourists alike to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Scheduled to take place from March 31 to April 2, 2025, the festival is organized under the supervision of Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw and is jointly sponsored by the Agricultural Engineers Syndicate in Iraq and Al-Nahrain Veterinary Magazine.

The initiative seeks not only to bring joy to Eid celebrations but also to highlight Kurdistan’s growing potential in the fields of tourism, agriculture, and pet care.

“For the first time, a Flower and Bird Festival with participation from several nurseries across the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, along with owners of beautiful birds, will be held at Shanader Park in Erbil,” Sherzad Jihad, coordinator of the Erbil Flower and Bird Festival, told Kurdistan24 on Saturday.

Jihad emphasized the dual purpose of the festival. “Our aim is to attract tourists and create an atmosphere full of joy and happiness for the people of Erbil and visitors,” he said.

The event will also serve as a platform to showcase products from across Iraq and beyond, offering commercial opportunities to participating nurseries, bird breeders, and accessory vendors.

The festival will feature a wide range of displays and activities, including rare and ornamental flower species, decorative plants, a bird exhibition with exotic and local breeds, and accessories related to plant and bird care. The Erbil Sky Sports Club is also scheduled to participate with recreational activities, enhancing the celebratory spirit of the event.

As Erbil positions itself as a cultural and tourist hub, events like the Flower and Bird Festival contribute to shaping the city’s image as a destination of beauty, creativity, and hospitality. With the natural allure of flowers and the charm of bird song, the festival is expected to draw large crowds eager to enjoy the serene, family-friendly environment during the Eid holiday.

The event’s timing—coinciding with the holy Eid celebration—adds to its significance, offering families and visitors a unique way to spend the festive days amid nature and joyful experiences. Organizers expect strong participation from companies and stakeholders across Iraq, as well as interest from international exhibitors.

With a blend of tourism, horticulture, commerce, and leisure, the Flower and Bird Festival represents a blossoming opportunity for Erbil to celebrate both the season and its cultural vitality. Visitors can anticipate a rich mix of sights, sounds, and scents that promise to make this Eid one to remember.