Iran’s Gilan showcases cultural, culinary potential at Armenian festival

Rasht, IRNA – Gilan Province showcased its cultural, culinary and economic potential at the fifth edition of the Navasard Armenian-Iranian Cultural and Culinary Festival that was held on August 10 and 11 in the Armenian town of Sisian, a provincial official has said.

Younes Ranjkesh, director general for investment and employment affairs at the Gilan Governorate, told IRNA on Monday that the two-day festival provided an opportunity to introduce the province’s products and capabilities to the Armenian market and could serve as a model for similar events in other neighboring countries.

The festival, held at the initiative of Iran’s embassy in Armenia, featured exhibitions, a cooking competition and cultural programs, he said.

The official added that 45 Gilan artists and traders took part, presenting food products, handicrafts and other local goods.

A chef representing Rasht Municipality won first place and a gold medal in the cooking competition. Folk music and traditional performances by Gilan’s Deylamoon group also drew attention, according to the local official.

A sister-city agreement was also signed between Lahijan in Gilan and Sisian to expand cultural, tourism and economic cooperation, Ranjkesh said.