The 12th edition of the Persimmon Festival has officially opened in Mechtras, south of Tizi-Ouzou, under the coordination of the Tala N Ugellidh cultural association. Held at the Messaoudi-Essaïd vocational training center, the event features nearly 200 participants, ranging from local farmers to artisans. The festival serves as a platform to highlight the persimmon—a fruit of significant economic and cultural importance for the region. Throughout the three-day event, visitors can explore local products, enjoy theatrical performances, and participate in special activities, including a beauty pageant titled "Miss Persimmon," a photography contest, and awards for the top producers. The festival aims to preserve local heritage while celebrating the harvest of this autumn fruit, which is highly prized for its nutritional value and sweet flavor.