Iranians living far from home are gearing up for New Year celebrations with goldfish, fires, and food to bring people together to mark the arrival of Nowruz. March 19 marks this year’s spring equinox, which aligns with Nowruz, also known as the Iranian New Year. The annual Chaharshanbeh Suri festival at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver, Canada, allows community members to leave bad spirits behind as they welcome the arrival of spring. As cherry blossoms emerge, they signify the approach of Nowruz and the gradual arrival of spring.

Nowruz Celebrations at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver

On March 12, dozens of adults and children gathered at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver for the Chaharshanbeh Suri festival. This fire festival allowed participants to leap over bonfires and leave bad spirits behind, symbolizing renewal as they welcomed the Persian New Year. The event brought the community together and fostered a sense of unity and celebration. Nowruz, with its unique traditions, continues to be celebrated in Canada, connecting Iranians living far from home to their cultural roots.

“Chaharshanbeh Suri allows participants to bid farewell to the past year and welcome the New Year with fire, dance, and joy,” said festival organizer, Sarah Amirzadeh. “It’s a time to come together as a community and celebrate our heritage.”

Nowruz Celebrations Across Canada

The Nowruz celebrations extend beyond West Vancouver. St. John’s is also gearing up for the Iranian New Year, with a festival that includes goldfish, lentils, and apples. Businesses in Vancouver are preparing for the bustle of Nowruz, as they anticipate an influx of customers seeking traditional goods, food, and clothing. Even on the Sunshine Coast, Nowruz celebrations are taking root, bringing the community together to celebrate the upcoming arrival of spring and welcome the Persian New Year.

Persian New Year Gala at the HUB-Robeson Center’s Alumni

The Iranian Student Association recently hosted a gala to celebrate Nowruz 1403, or the Persian New Year. The event, held at the HUB-Robeson Center’s Alumni, brought Iranians living in Canada together to embrace their culture and traditions. The gala featured traditional performances, food, and music, creating a festive atmosphere and strengthening the community’s connection to their roots.

Fast Facts about Nowruz

• Nowruz is an ancient tradition celebrated for over 3,000 years.
• It is a time to celebrate rebirth, renewal, and the arrival of spring.
• Nowruz marks the first day of the Persian calendar year.
• It is celebrated by millions of people around the world, particularly in Iran and other countries with Persian influence.
• Nowruz traditions include spring cleaning, setting up the Haft-Seen table, and exchanging gifts among family and friends.