Annual Baghdad Day Carnival Concludes with Vibrant Festivities

Baghdad’s annual Baghdad Day carnival concluded with a grand celebration at Saray Land, one of the city’s most historic landmarks. The eight-day event, attended by Dr. Fadhel Mohammed Al-Badrani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, celebrated the founding of Baghdad as a city of culture, art, knowledge, and peace.

Dr. Al-Badrani commended the festival’s ability to reflect Baghdad’s rich heritage while connecting its past to the present. “These activities embody the cultural value of the city of peace, one of the oldest capitals in the world, and echo across Iraqi families,” he stated during the closing ceremony.

Held under the supervision of the Mayor of Baghdad, Mr. Ammar Musa Kazim, and in the presence of Governor Abdul Muttalib Al-Alawi, the carnival brought together over 10,000 participants, including artists, intellectuals, athletes, and volunteers. Activities ranged from folklore shows and traditional art displays to sports competitions, including the Baghdad Marathon, a bicycle race, and friendly football matches.

The festival also featured unique events such as Tele Match Baghdad, a bird and pet exhibition, and the reading initiative I Am Iraqi, I Read, in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Shiite Endowment Diwan. The Iraq International Competition for Memorising and Reciting the Qur’an, organised with the Sunni Endowment Diwan, further enriched the programme.

The event concluded with a ceremony honouring participants and organisers, celebrating their contributions to the festival’s success. The Baghdad Day carnival once again showcased the city’s enduring role as a cultural and historic hub, bringing joy and pride to its people.