The first day of spring is celebrated as Norouz, the Persian New Year, and is marked on March 21. Across the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and elsewhere, Norouz means several days of dancing, eating, and other festivities as families celebrate the popular holiday.
Norouz Celebrations Welcome Spring Across The Region
- By RFE/RL
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Cooking traditional Kazakh pilaf in Almaty.
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Spectators attend a festival marking Norouz in Almaty.
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Children wearing traditional costumes play on a swing during Norouz celebrations in Bishkek.
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Dancers in traditional dress perform in Bishkek.
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Police officers keep watch during Norouz celebrations in the central Ala-Too Square in Bishkek.
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Spectators watch and take photos of performers in Bishkek.
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Performers dance in Batken, Kyrgyzstan.
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Tajiks celebrate Norouz in Dushanbe.
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Women dance during celebrations in Dushanbe.
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People gather in front of the Karte Sakhi shrine on the first day of Norouz in Kabul.
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Taliban soldiers keep watch as Afghans celebrate Norouz in Kabul.
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A vendor sells balloons in Kabul.
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For many Afghans, Norouz is a chance to gather outside with friends and family. This is the first Norouz celebration in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power in August 2021.
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Fireworks light up the sky during a Norouz ceremony at the Iran Mall shopping center in Tehran.
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People watch a water show in Tehran.
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People film the festivities in Tehran.
