All About Rose Water Festival in Iran

Spring in Iran accompanies many fascinating scenes. One of these scenes is the fields and gardens full of pink roses, which can captivate visitors with their magical fragrance and beauty. As the roses are fully opened, it’s time to pick the flowers and prepare them to make rose water. This usually happens around May in spring and continues until the end of spring. The Rose Water Festival in Iran is among the most popular Iranian festivals, and it attracts many international and domestic travelers every year. Let’s learn more about this spring festival.

About Rose Water Festival

Iran’s Rose Water Festival, known locally as “Golabgiri,” is a centuries-old tradition celebrated in the picturesque city of Kashan. Every spring, the city comes alive with the fragrant aroma of Damask roses, a unique variety native to Iran.

The festival marks the beginning of the rose water distillation season, where families and communities come together to harvest roses and produce rose water using traditional methods. This vibrant event is a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, attracting visitors from across the globe.

Spring Festival in Iran

The Rose Water Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a tribute to Iran’s rich heritage in floriculture and perfumery. Kashan’s delicate roses have been cultivated for generations, symbolizing purity and refinement in Persian culture. During the festival, visitors can participate in rose-picking, observe the distillation process, and enjoy a variety of cultural performances, handicraft exhibitions, and local delicacies, making it an unforgettable experience.

Rose Water Festival in Iran

Here is how the whole process takes place: Every morning, as the sun begins to shine, the locals go to the gardens to pick the flowers. Then they weigh the roses, put them in large pots along with water, and heat them to extract the rose water. The quality of the rose water mainly depends on how many roses they put in the pot; the more roses they use, the stronger the rosewater will be.

High-quality rose water usually consists of 30 Kg of roses and 60 liters of water called double distilled extract. When they want to make it even stronger, they use rosewater instead of water in the pot! This is the best quality rose water that can be made in Iran; it is very bitter and not very fragrant when you smell it. The real fragrance can be smelled when you use a little of this extract while cooking. So, make sure you do not buy rose water based on its smell only!

What Is Rose Water?

Rose water is a fragrant liquid made by steeping rose petals in water or distilling them to extract their essential oils. Various cultures have used it for centuries for its aromatic and medicinal properties. Known for its delicate floral scent, rose water is a versatile product that is used in cooking, cosmetics, and therapeutic practices.

The production of rose water typically involves the Damask rose, a species renowned for its intense fragrance and high oil content. The process results in two by-products: rose water and rose essential oil. While rose essential oil is a luxury product, rose water is widely accessible and used in everyday life, from skincare routines to culinary recipes.

Rose Water Benefits

Rose water is celebrated for its numerous health and wellness benefits. In skincare, it acts as a natural toner, hydrating and refreshing the skin while reducing redness and irritation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular remedy for conditions such as acne and eczema. Additionally, the antioxidants in rose water help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, promoting a youthful and radiant complexion.

Rose Water Festival in Iran

Beyond skincare, rose water has psychological benefits as well. Its calming aroma is known to reduce stress, and anxiety, and promote better sleep. In traditional medicine, rose water is used to treat headaches and digestive issues. A few drops of rose water in herbal tea can soothe an upset stomach, while its antimicrobial properties support oral hygiene when used as a mouth rinse.

Uses of Rose Water

The versatility of rose water makes it a cherished product in households worldwide. In culinary arts, it is used to flavor desserts, beverages, and traditional dishes, imparting a unique floral taste. Popular in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines, rose water is a key ingredient in recipes like baklava, Turkish delight, and Faloodeh.

In addition to its culinary applications, rose water plays a significant role in beauty and skincare routines. It is often used as a facial mist, makeup setting spray, or ingredient in homemade face masks. Its soothing properties also make it an excellent addition to bathwater for a relaxing soak. Furthermore, rose water is used in religious ceremonies and cultural rituals, symbolizing purity and love.

Rose Water Festival Kashan

Kashan, a historic city in central Iran, is the heart of the Rose Water Festival. Surrounded by rose gardens and traditional distilleries, Kashan transforms into a hub of activity during the festival. Visitors can witness the rose-picking process at dawn, when the flowers are at their most fragrant, and join locals in carrying baskets of freshly harvested blooms to the distillation sites.

The festival also offers a glimpse into the traditional methods of rose water production. Large copper pots are used to boil the roses with water, and the steam is collected and cooled to produce pure rose water. Beyond the distilleries, the city hosts cultural events, including music performances, art exhibitions, and workshops, giving tourists an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the region.

Time of Rose Water Festival

The Rose Water Festival in Kashan typically takes place from mid-May to early June, aligning with the blooming season of Damask roses. The exact timing depends on weather conditions and the onset of the flowering period, which can vary slightly each year. This season is ideal for both locals and tourists to enjoy the mild climate and breathtaking landscapes adorned with vibrant pink roses.

Iran Rose Water

The festival lasts for several weeks, providing ample time for visitors to explore the rose fields and participate in various activities. Early mornings are the best time to experience rose-picking, while afternoons are perfect for attending cultural events and visiting the bazaars that sell rose water, rose oil, and other rose-infused products. Planning a trip during this period guarantees a memorable encounter with nature and culture.

How to Make Rose Water?

Making rose water at home is a simple yet rewarding process. The most common method is simmering, which involves boiling fresh rose petals in distilled water. To begin, gather a cup of organic rose petals and place them in a pot with enough water to cover them. Simmer the mixture on low heat until the petals lose their color, and the water takes on a rosy hue. Strain the liquid into a glass container, and your homemade rose water is ready to use.

For a more refined product, the distillation method is recommended. This involves placing rose petals in a pot with a bowl in the center to collect the distilled water. Seal the pot with a lid turned upside down and add ice cubes on top. As the water heats, the steam rises, condenses on the cold lid, and drips into the bowl, producing pure rose water. This method captures more of the rose’s essence, resulting in a higher-quality product.

Last Words

During spring, farms in the village have verdant fields filled with Damask roses. This time of year is ideal for extracting rose water from these scented flowers. There are several cities in Iran well-known for making high-quality rose water including Kashan, Ghamsar, and Niasar. The local people warmly welcome the visitors to watch the festival and they honestly explain how to make rose water and how to recognize the quality when shopping. During this time, you will be able to experience the process of creating rose water extract by hand at the Matinabad eco-camp. This is an amazing experience you should not miss when traveling to Iran in Spring.

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