Persian New Year Festival
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Jump over bonfires to celebrate the change of seasons and welcome spring. A Persian ritual passed down since ancient Zoroastrian times, the Persian New Year Festival of Fire, called Chaharshanbeh Souri, (which means 'Eve of Wednesday') is held on the last Tuesday night in winter, just before the Vernal Equinox or first moment of spring. This is the time of year when Persians around the world will be celebrating Nowruz (New Year).
As the sun sets, people jump over bonfires to say farewell to the coldness, paleness, and sickness of winter, and welcome the redness, warmth and energy of spring; they sing, "Zardi-ye man az toh, sorkhi-ye toh az man," which translates to, "May your rosy red glow be mine, and my sickly yellow pallor be yours." The tradition, rooted in Zoroastrianism (which predates Islam), serves as a cultural festival for Iranian people and holds no religious significance.
In addition, there will be Persian music, food, arts & crafts booths for children, and stations for various cultural organizations. Inside, there will be a traditional altar display called haftseen (seven 's's). Glimpse into beautiful Persian traditions and the culture of the Iranian-American community in the US. This is a free, family-friendly, non-alcoholic event held outdoors rain or shine.
Persian Center is a non-profit, charitable 501(c3) organization whose mission is to create an environment in which to conduct social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities designed to strengthen the sense of identity and integrity of all Iranians and Iranian descendants, and to engage individuals interested in or related to Persian community and culture. It is one of a few secular Persian organizations in the United States.