New York, March 19th, 2011 – For the first time ever, three community organizations have come together to organize the very first Persian New Year event in Manhattan to celebrate the coming of spring.
Norooz, meaning “New Day”, marks the official coming of spring or spring equinox as calculated scientifically by the rotation of the earth. The Iranian calendar is based on this and so the first day of the new year falls on this day. Norooz is also celebrated as a celebration of spring and the rejuvenation of the earth by many other cultures including people in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Russia, China, India and many others.
KidsFEST: Norooz will be at the Manhattan Youth Downtown Community center in Tribeca. Organizing Partners include Oznoz.com and the Iranian Alliances Across Borders (IAAB).
“IAAB is very excited to be collaborating with so many talented organizations and individuals in the community to provide fun educational programming for our youth in New York City. KidsFEST: Norooz promises to be an engaging event that will bring the colorful spirit of the Iranian New Year to New York City’s children” said Narges Bajoghli, IAAB’s co-founder and acting director.
This year’s Norooz event will feature renowned children’s chef Cricket Azima, cooking Persian foods with kids, a performance by the J-Hoon Ensemble doing traditional Kurdish dance and song and many arts and crafts events for the whole family. In addition, Amoo Norooz who brings presents and good cheer on the new year to kids will be there to takep pictures with the families in front of a traditional “Haft Seen” table. This table has on it seven items which syumbolize all the good things one would want in the new year. Examples are “Sekeh” or coins for good wealth, “Sabzeh” or wheatgrass for renewal, and “Seeb” or apple for good health.
NYC KidsFEST: Norooz takes place on Saturday March 31st, 1-4 pm Manhattan Youth DCC Tribeca at 120 Warren Street in New York. The event is free and for the whole family.
