Nowruz, the Persian New Year, will be celebrated on March 20, 2025, a momentous occasion that marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal and rebirth. This ancient festival, meaning "new day" in Farsi, traces its roots back over 3,000 years and is observed primarily in Iran, but also across regions like Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.
This year, the festivities are particularly vibrant as communities gather for various celebrations that connect them to their rich cultural heritage. In Madison, Wisconsin, students from the Persian Student Society (PSS) are gearing up for their formal Nowruz gathering, which brings together Persians in the diaspora. “Our goal is to create a space for Persians to meet each other, stay connected to their culture, and know that they’re not alone, especially if they’ve recently immigrated to the US,” says Nedda Besharat, a senior studying neurobiology and the PSS President.
The celebrations often incorporate traditional foods such as fish and rice, alongside cultural performances including dance and poetry readings, leading up to a lively Persian dance party. Besharat emphasizes the joy of meeting new individuals during these gatherings, remarking, “I love constantly getting to meet new Persians in the community and bringing everyone together to not only have a great time but to recognize and be proud of our Persian heritage.”
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, residents gathered at Desert Breeze Park to celebrate Charshanbeh Soori, an essential precursor to Nowruz. Hundreds participated in the fire festival, jumping over flames while reciting wishes for health and happiness as they prepare for the upcoming New Year. The energy at the park was palpable, enriched by music, food, and the atmospheric presence of a Persian New Year table, displaying the elements essential for celebrations.
On the streets of Tehran, people participated in traditional rituals leading up to Nowruz, as the fire festival, Chaharshanbe Souri, was marked on March 18, 2025. Celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday of the Persian year, this event involves jumping over bonfires to symbolize the warmth of life and to rid oneself of the past year’s misfortunes.
In photos captured during the festival, Iranians are seen in various scenes of jubilation: individuals jump over flames, families share laughter around bonfires, and women prepare for the new season by decorating their Haft-Seen tables with symbolic items. Among these items—often starting with the letter ‘s’ in Farsi—are “seer” (garlic) for health, “serkeh” (vinegar) for patience, and “seeb” (apple) for beauty.
As preparations for Nowruz continue in Iran, bustling bazaars in Tehran such as Tajrish showcase the urgency of last-minute shopping. Flowers are sold to adorn Haft-Seen tables, and families can be seen selecting branches of trees for decoration, embellishing their homes in anticipation of the new beginnings lauded during Nowruz.
Not only does Nowruz signify a change in seasons, but it also serves as a reminder of the unity and warmth of family and community bonds. In cities across the world, from Iran to the Persian-speaking communities in the U.S., the spirit of Nowruz resonates. This cultural cohesion is vital, especially for the diaspora striving to maintain their cultural identity far from home.
As the Persian New Year approaches, those celebrating—be they in the heart of Tehran or the vibrant groups in Madison or Las Vegas—embrace the values that Nowruz embodies: hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. This relentless spirit continues to thrive across generations, flooding gatherings with music, laughter, and a deep sense of cultural pride.
Indeed, the arrival of Nowruz is not just a transition into the new year but a celebration of life, fostering a greater communal identity among Persians worldwide.
