Ash Festival 2025: Celebrating Iran’s Culinary Heritage

On February 16, 2025, the House of Friendship nonprofit proudly hosted the Ash Festival at 1109 Taos Trail, Raleigh, NC 27603, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. This special gathering brought our community together to celebrate and preserve the cherished culinary traditions of Iran. Our dedicated volunteers prepared an impressive lineup of Persian soups, including Ash Reshteh, Ash-e Gandum, Adasi, Ash-e Esfenaj, Ash-e Kufteh Riz, Ash-e Sabzi Shirazi, and Ash-e Anar o Laboo—a delightful blend of pomegranate and beetroot. Attendees were invited to bring their own recipes to share or simply come to taste these time-honored dishes, passed down through generations. The event was free and open to all, fostering a spirit of unity and appreciation for Iran’s diverse food heritage. The afternoon buzzed with laughter, stories, and the clinking of spoons as we savored each bowl. Below, you’ll find a complete rundown of the day, along with a gallery of photos capturing the joy, aromas, and togetherness of this unforgettable festival.