Borujerd Apple Festival Joins Iran’s Tourism Calendar, Showcasing Lorestan’s Agricultural and Cultural Richness

Published on December 26, 2025

The Borujerd Apple Festival, an annual celebration of the region’s agricultural and cultural heritage, has just been added to Iran’s official tourism events calendar. This prestigious event, held annually between September 11 and 15 in Borujerd County, Lorestan Province, is expected to draw more attention to the region’s indigenous agricultural practices and cultural traditions. This inclusion on the national tourism list is viewed as a strategic move to boost Borujerd’s tourism industry, providing visitors with a better understanding of the region’s heritage, farming practices, and rich history.

Borujerd’s Historical Significance

Borujerd is one of Iran’s most historically significant cities, with roots tracing back to the 9th century CE. Over the centuries, Borujerd has evolved from a small settlement during the Sassanid Empire into a prosperous industrial and commercial hub during the Seljuq period in the 9th and 10th centuries. Situated in the rugged Zagros Mountains, Borujerd’s strategic location made it a vital centre of trade and industry, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between the Iranian plateau and neighbouring regions.

During the Qajar dynasty in the 18th and 19th centuries, Borujerd reached its peak as the state capital of both the Lorestan and Khuzestan regions. The city’s prominence continued to grow due to the existence of numerous industrial units, which provided a steady supply of products to both domestic and foreign markets. Known for its contributions to Iran’s industrial development, Borujerd is often referred to as the industrial hub of Lorestan province, with an enduring legacy in both agriculture and manufacturing.

Borujerd Apple Festival: Celebrating the Region’s Agricultural Wealth

The Borujerd Apple Festival is a direct reflection of the region’s strong agricultural roots. Held each year in mid-September, the festival showcases the local apple harvest, with the vibrant and diverse varieties of apples produced in the fertile lands of Lorestan taking centre stage. The event offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the region’s apple-growing traditions, which have been passed down through generations, and to experience firsthand the process of apple cultivation.

With the recent official recognition of the festival as a key tourism event in Iran, the festival is now poised to attract more visitors from both within the country and abroad. It serves not only as a celebration of apples but also as a platform to highlight Lorestan’s agricultural capacity, which is a significant contributor to Iran’s economy. The festival promotes the sustainable farming practices that have made the region a beacon of agricultural excellence.

Cultural Heritage and Indigenous Traditions

The Borujerd Apple Festival is not just about fruit; it is also a celebration of the region’s rich cultural traditions. The festival offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in local customs, music, and art. Indigenous artisans and craftsmen showcase their handmade goods, offering a glimpse into the traditional skills and craftsmanship that have shaped the local culture for centuries.

The festival also features performances of traditional music, with local musicians playing melodies that have been passed down through generations. These performances, coupled with the breathtaking natural beauty of Lorestan, create a vibrant atmosphere that highlights the unique character of the region. For visitors, the festival offers a rare opportunity to experience the full depth of Lorestan’s cultural identity, from its culinary delights to its artisan crafts and time-honoured traditions.

The Strategic Move to Include the Festival in Iran’s Tourism Calendar

The decision to add the Borujerd Apple Festival to Iran’s tourism events calendar is part of a broader national strategy aimed at professionalizing the tourism industry and creating new tourism routes across the country. As stated by officials, this move is aligned with Iran’s government’s transformation document, which emphasizes an event-orientated approach to developing new tourist destinations.

By including the Borujerd Apple Festival in the official tourism calendar, Iran hopes to further diversify its tourism offerings, moving beyond the traditional cultural and historical sites to include more region-specific events that highlight local agriculture and industry. This strategy is expected to help Borujerd and the wider Lorestan province attract more tourists, contributing to the growth of local economies and the sustainable development of the region.

The inclusion of the Borujerd Apple Festival also comes at a time when Iran is increasingly focusing on developing its rural tourism sector. Rural areas like Borujerd, with their agricultural richness and cultural uniqueness, are becoming more popular among travelers who seek authentic experiences away from the hustle and bustle of major cities. This shift is part of a broader trend in global tourism, where travelers are increasingly looking for destinations that offer a deeper connection to local culture and nature.

Boosting Borujerd’s Tourism Brand

The inclusion of the Borujerd Apple Festival in Iran’s tourism events calendar is a significant milestone for the region, marking a step forward in the development of Borujerd’s tourism sector. With its rich history, agricultural prowess, and vibrant culture, Borujerd has all the ingredients to become a prominent destination on Iran’s tourism map.

In the coming years, it is expected that the festival will grow in both scale and significance, drawing tourists from around the world to experience the best of what Lorestan has to offer. By continuing to highlight the region’s indigenous traditions, the Borujerd Apple Festival is helping to solidify Borujerd’s identity as a key cultural and agricultural hub in Iran.

A Promising Future for Borujerd’s Tourism Industry

The Borujerd Apple Festival is more than just an agricultural event; it celebrates the region’s history, culture, and heritage. Borujerd is poised to become an increasingly important destination for travellers seeking an authentic Iranian experience, as the festival has recently been added to Iran’s tourism events calendar. As the festival grows, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of tourism in Lorestan province, allowing visitors to discover the hidden treasures of one of Iran’s oldest and most culturally rich regions.

Borujerd’s tourism industry continues to grow, and the region’s future looks promising, with the Apple Festival serving as both a cultural highlight and a key economic driver.