Payz (Autumn) Festival Continues for Second Day as Ranya Gorge Hosts Weekend Celebration
At a Glance
- The Payz (Autumn) Festival at Ranya Gorge enters its vibrant second day, continuing a weekend-long celebration of culture, sports, and community.
- Sponsored by Qubad Talabani's office in coordination with Channel8, today's schedule features cultural equestrian shows, artistic performances, and a public marathon.
- Local vendors and business owners praised the massive opening turnout, hailing the festival as a vital platform for marketing homegrown products and boosting regional commerce.
- Thousands of visitors continue to flock to the scenic landscapes of Ranya Gorge to celebrate the autumn season throughout the weekend.
The scenic landscapes of Ranya Gorge are buzzing with activity today as the Payz (Autumn) Festival continues into its second day, building on a massive opening turnout that drew thousands of visitors from across the region for a weekend-long autumn celebration.
Weekend Highlights and Economic Impact
- Diverse Activities: Today's packed schedule features guest receptions starting at 10:00 AM, alongside specialized sports events, traditional cultural exhibitions, and a public marathon running from Ranya Gorge directly into the festival grounds.
- Commercial Boost: Following a successful inaugural day, local artisans and merchants highlighted the festival as an essential economic catalyst, providing invaluable visibility, customer engagement, and sales for regional goods.
On the second day, thousands of people from various cities and towns participated. Business owners and merchants spoke positively about the festival, stating that attendees warmly welcomed their products. They also described the festival as an "important" opportunity to introduce and market their goods.
The Autumn Festival will cover a wide area and continue throughout the autumn season. Visitors will be able to choose which activities to attend and when to join. Around 3,000 people are expected to gather in the open natural setting, with dozens of literary, artistic, cultural, athletic, and social activities planned.
The program includes football, volleyball, rugby, wrestling, kickboxing, yoga, frisbee, cornhole, camping, outdoor cinema, live music, bonfire gatherings, and fireworks. Special activities will include off-roading and ATV rides, horseback riding, art exhibitions, kayaking, and paddling.
Visitors will also have access to cafés, bakeries, markets, and restaurants offering Kurdish food, grilled dishes, fish, and fast food, alongside shops selling handicrafts, gifts, and other items. Tents and sleeping bags will be available for campers, while visitors can also bring their own equipment. Prayer areas, restrooms, and changing rooms for men and women will be provided.
FYI
The festival is sponsored by the Office of KRG Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and organized in coordination with Channel8.
Guest reception will begin at 10:00 a.m. today, with government officials, Tourism Board representatives, and officials from the Raparin Administration expected to attend. Stage performances will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by live music and light shows from 5:00 p.m. as the sun sets.
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Payz Autumn Festival Launches Today At Ranya
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