Kites stay grounded, but spirits soar at Abu Nuwas Park festival

BAGHDAD — Kite enthusiasts gathered in Baghdad’s Abu Nuwas Park on Saturday for the city’s annual Kite Festival, but calm skies kept most kites grounded. That didn’t stop families from enjoying music, theater, and a vibrant open-air market that kept the spirit of the event aloft.

Despite the absence of wind, the festival continued with singing, performances, and a bazaar supporting small businesses. Booths offered handmade crafts, children’s toys, and local accessories, turning the park into a celebration of community and culture.

“This festival was established in 2017 as a response to the claim that ‘Baghdad is the worst capital,’ and it’s continued every year because of the strong public turnout,” said Ali Al-Ghalib, one of the event’s founders, speaking to 964media.

In 2017, Baghdad was ranked lowest in Mercer’s Quality of Living Index out of 231 cities worldwide. Al-Ghalib said the festival was a way to push back against that image. “We’re proud of our heritage — like the Baghdadi derbouna and the shanshool. Baghdad is beautiful, not the ruin many imagine it to be.”

The derbouna is a narrow alley typical of old Baghdadi neighborhoods, and shanshool refers to the ornate wooden balconies that project from traditional homes.

Now in its seventh year, the festival has become a platform for music, art, and local entrepreneurship. “We support small business owners by giving them space here every year,” Al-Ghalib added.

Festivalgoers expressed enthusiasm despite the still skies.

“We’re in constant need of festivals and events like this. Iraqi families need open green spaces away from the crowding of malls,” said Um Lara, a participant.

“As a mother of a child with autism, I find this place amazing. It helps my son blend in and interact with other children — unlike enclosed spaces like malls and restaurants. These open spaces help reduce autism symptoms.”

Ahmed Mohammed brought his kite in hopes of a good breeze. “We prepared our kites today, but the still air didn’t let them fly,” he said. “Still, the festival was lovely with its many activities and the presence of families and young people.”

Nina Mohammed echoed the sentiment. “The festival was great and special, but the wind disappointed me — my kite didn’t fly. The music and singing were so nice!”

One participant managed to find a workaround. “I think I was the only one who got the kite up,” said Mustafa Mohammed. “When there’s no wind, you just have to run with it to make it fly.”