Explore the traditions, stories and meanings behind some of Persia's most treasured celebrations.
History: Nowruz is the Persian New Year and is connected to the arrival of spring. It has been celebrated across Persian-speaking cultures for thousands of years.
Importance: Nowruz represents renewal, new beginnings, hope and the connection between people and nature.
What does Nowruz celebrate?
History: Yalda Night is an ancient winter celebration held on the longest night of the year. Families traditionally gather together and stay awake through the night.
Importance: Yalda symbolises light overcoming darkness and is a time for family, storytelling, poetry and togetherness.
Which night is Yalda traditionally associated with?
History: Chaharshanbe Suri is an ancient fire celebration held on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz.
Importance: Fire represents light, energy and purification. People traditionally gather around fires and celebrate together.
What is one of the main symbols of Chaharshanbe Suri?
History: Sizdah Bedar takes place on the thirteenth day of Nowruz. Families traditionally spend the day outdoors in nature.
Importance: The celebration encourages people to connect with nature, spend time together and enjoy the final days of the Nowruz holiday.
Where do people traditionally spend Sizdah Bedar?
History: Mehregan is an ancient Persian festival traditionally associated with autumn and the concept of Mehr.
Importance: Mehregan celebrates friendship, kindness, gratitude and the changing season.
Which season is Mehregan associated with?
History: Tirgan is an ancient Persian festival associated with water, summer and the legendary figure Arash the Archer.
Importance: Tirgan celebrates water, life, friendship and the arrival of summer through music, dancing and traditional activities.
What natural element is especially important in Tirgan?