March – April 2024, Perth, Western Australia

Persians residing in Western Australia will gather together to celebrate the great Persian New Year. NowRuz the first day of the spring, the symbolic representation of two ancient concepts, the end, and the rebirth, reminds us of the values and aspirations we all share. The historical heritage, philosophies and values of NowRuz, for tolerance, respect, mutual understanding and peace, have not only united us in the past, but also presents a great opportunity to strengthen our existing cooperation, to increase harmony and unity among us based on Persian culture, language and traditions.

NowRuz, is also the time of year when we reflect on our hopes for the year ahead. NowRuz marks the beginning of a new chapter and brings us closer together through reinforced cooperation at all levels including the cultural activities and in the spirit of shared norms and values.

Let’s all welcome spring together, rejoice in harmony, solidarity and friendship, and take inspiration from sharing, not only festive meals, but also new ideas that carry the spirit of NowRuz beyond this season. Our cultural heritage sustains wisdom and cultural cohesion that stretches across borders, making this the right time to recall the importance of the culture as a foundation of our society.

About Charshanbeh Suri

On the night before the last Wednesday of the year is celebrated by Iranians as Chahārshanbe Suri. The festival is the celebration of the light (the good) winning over the darkness (the bad). The tradition includes people going into the streets to make bonfires, and jump over them while singing the traditional song Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man that literally translates to “My yellowness is yours, your redness is mine,” with the figurative message “My paleness (pain, sickness) for you (the fire), your strength (health) for me.” The fire is believed to burn out all the fear (yellowness) in their subconscious or their spirit, in preparation for New Year.

About NowRuz

The Persian New Year, NowRuz (also written as Nowrouz and NoRooz) marks the first day of spring or Equinox as the beginning of the year in the Persian calendar. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical Northward equinox, which usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is observed. The moment the sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year and families gather together to observe the rituals. NowRuz is an ancient, national Iranian custom and celebrated by people from diverse ethnic communities and religious backgrounds for thousands of years. Celebration include complete cleaning of the house (spring cleaning), setting the Haftsin table and sitting around it at the turn of the year, wearing new garments, presenting eidi (gifts) to children, sprinkling rose-water, eating sweets, and more importantly visiting one another.

About Sizdeh Bedar

For thousands of years, Persians have celebrated the thirteenth day of the Persian New Year, called sizdeh-Bedar, by spending the day away from their home in parks or away from the cities. This is a long cherished tradition that has been passed on from generations to generations for centuries.

Festival Partners and Sponsors

We highly appreciate the ongoing help and support we are receiving and committed to maintain our authentic partnerships with organisations and government authorities to ensure the long term success and sustainability of our events. These supports enable us to strengthen the capacity of our community, and contribute to the enjoyment and well-being of our community members, as well as to the intercultural understanding and promoting the many benefits of WA’s cultural diversity.

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