The Persian New Year between history and cuisine

The most important holiday in Iran is certainly Nowruz, the Persian New Year which coincides with the beginning of spring. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, this holiday is also celebrated throughout Central Asia, the Caucasus, Mongolia (on a regional basis) and wherever communities of Iranian descent exist. The origins of Nowruz date back over 3 years and are deeply connected to the Zoroastrian religion, which was practiced in Persia before the arrival of Islam. Through this festival and its traditions you can discover the very roots of Iran.

Officially Nowruz is celebrated on 21 March but it can also fall a day before or a day after, based on mathematical and astronomical calculations that each year identify the second in which the year begins, namely the Saal Tahvil. In Iran, the festivities begin on the last Wednesday of the old year and continue for thirteen days, a longer period than in other countries that celebrate the Persian New Year. Coinciding with the beginning of spring, Nowruz has a meaning deeply linked to rebirth and to the light that returns after the darkness of winter.