Minab: The southern city of Minab will serve as the central venue for the main programs and closing ceremony of the 16th Persian Gulf Festival. These events are set to take place across Hormozgan Province later this week, as confirmed by a provincial official.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Director General of Culture and Islamic Guidance Department in Hormozgan, Farkhondeh Jalali, announced that the festival's concluding ceremony will occur on Thursday afternoon, aligning with Persian Gulf National Day. The closing event will feature the unveiling of several cultural and artistic initiatives, along with ceremonies honoring the martyred commander of the IRGC Navy, Alireza Tangsiri, and distinguished cultural figures associated with the Persian Gulf.

April 30 is commemorated as the anniversary of the expulsion of Portuguese forces from Hormuz Island and the Persian Gulf in 1621, marking the end of 117 years of colonial rule in the area. This day is celebrated as Persian Gulf National Day. Nationwide events, especially in southern coastal provinces, are held annually, with the Persian Gulf Festival being one of the most significant.

The festival will also include performances by renowned Iranian musicians, the establishment of an artistic pavilion, and live creation of 168 visual artworks in painting and calligraphy. Jalali mentioned that before the main ceremony, participants will visit the martyrs' cemetery in Minab and meet with families connected to the Shajareh Tayyebeh School of Minab.

The recent US-Israeli bombing of the Minab school, which resulted in the tragic loss of 168 school children on February 28, has been a focal point of global condemnation. Religious leaders worldwide have taken a firm stance against the aggression directed at Iran.