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News & Views
Click on image for larger photo Unprecedented carnival adds spice to Iran's revolution festivities TEHRAN, Feb 4 (AFP) - Thousands of Iranians took to the streets of their capital Thursday for a "caravan of joy" as the Islamic regime jazzed up celebrations for its 20th anniversary with an unprecedented street festival. The convoy of amateur actors, dancers and musicians drew Iranians of all ages as it wound its way along Revolution Street, one of the capital's main thoroughfares. Youngsters on rollerskates donned cartoon character masks as folk musicians from across the country and dancers in traditional costume gave the festivities a carnival atmosphere. Puppeteers on horse-drawn carts and troupes of actors dressed as animals or ancient warriors entertained the crowds. The break with the sombre political demonstrations staged by the Islamic authorities over the past 20 years drew passers-by of all ages. "It's the first time I've seen anything like this on Revolution Street, said Siavosh, a 16-year Tehrani. "Let's hope everyone's having a really good time -- we get so few chances to be happy with all the economic problems we're having," said Ahmed, a grey-haired worker in his 50s full of the excitement of the occasion. Officially dubbed "the carnival of joy," the parade had clearly been organized hastily and on a limited budget -- the articulated lorries on which the performers entertained the crowds had been borrowed from the army. But the improvised arrangements did not stop hordes of schoolchildren joining in the festivities. Iran's Islamic regime has made growing efforts to win the hearts and minds of youngsters amid growing official concern that the 50 percent of the population aged 20 or under has no understanding of the reasons behind the 1979 revolution. The parade was the latest in a string of special events the authorities have staged to help young people identify with the 10 days of festivities marking the revolution's 20th anniversary.
* Iran News
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