The 10th annual Halabja Pomegranate and Autumn Festival kicked off in Halabja Park, celebrating the authenticity and heritage of local produce.

Hundreds gathered at the Halabja playground on Thursday for the opening of the festival, which carries the theme of "Authenticity and National Identity, Preservation and Development of Domestic Products, and the Enhancement of Cultural and Artistic Activities.”

This year’s event is organized in partnership with the Halabja Agriculture Directorate, the Halabja Organizations Network, and the Halabja General Directorate of Tourism.

Many festival participants highlighted that all products showcased are locally sourced and organically produced.

One vendor told Channel 8, “Despite the lack of rainfall, this year's pomegranates received plenty of water and care, resulting in a unique, flavorful crop.”

The festival expects to welcome over 300,000 tourists and visitors, building on last year’s successful ninth edition, which began on November 2 and spanned three days.