Diyana’s Mar Gewargis Festival kicks off with vibrant procession and cultural celebrations

DIYANA, KURDISTAN REGION, IRAQ — The ninth edition of the annual Mar Gewargis Festival commenced in Diyana, north of Arba’ilo (Arbil), drawing a large turnout of both public attendees and officials amid a vibrant festive atmosphere. 

The ten-day festival began with a ceremonial procession from the Mar Gewargis Church. Delegations and groups from across the region and beyond participated in the march, which was led by the Hammurabi Scouts. Accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats and scout performances, the procession made its way to Diyana’s main stadium, where the festival torch was ceremoniously lit, officially inaugurating the festivities. 

The festival’s program includes a wide range of cultural, artistic, and sports activities, featuring participation from Christian groups and associations both within and beyond the Kurdistan Region. The Syriac Arts Troupe performed traditional dabke dances, offering folkloric displays that immersed attendees in the cultural heritage of the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian community. The performances created a lively atmosphere, The opening ceremony was attended by Bet-Nahrain Democratic Party leader Romeo Hakkari, Mar Afram Athneil, Bishop of the Assyrian Church of the East in Syria, alongside Father Yatron Younan, pastor of Mar Gewargis Church in Diyana, and several other clergy members.  

The stands were packed with enthusiastic attendees from the Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian communities of Arba’ilo (Arbil) and surrounding areas, giving the event a unifying character that extended beyond its religious significance and fostered a wider sense of communal connection. 

In his speech, Hakim Taily, Deputy Supervisor of the Independent Soran Administration, highlighted that the festival “is not merely an artistic or religious event, but an occasion to reinforce the values of coexistence and strengthen bonds among the region’s residents.” He added that the administration remains committed to supporting initiatives that “reflect the region’s diversity and enrich it culturally and socially.” 

Since its inaugural edition nine years ago, the Mar Gewargis Festival has grown into one of Kurdistan’s most prominent events, blending religious observance with festive celebration and highlighting the region’s rich cultural and religious diversity.  

Organizers say this year’s edition aims to “strengthen the Christian presence in the public sphere” while providing a platform for unity among the community’s varied groups, at a time when challenges to the values of coexistence are increasingly apparent