Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, is widely celebrated in Iraq. It is a public holiday, fostering unity and brotherhood among the conflicted sects of the country. The holiday marks the beginning of the spring and the start of the New Year in the Persian calendar. It usually takes place on March 20 or 21, depending on the vernal equinox. The history of this holiday stretches back over 3,000 years to the region of ancient Persia.
The celebrations of Nowruz in Iraq are unique and energetic. Preparations start weeks in advance with people cleaning their homes, a tradition known as 'spring cleaning'. It is viewed as a time of renewal and growth. Come Nowruz, streets in major cities like Erbil, Mosul, and Baghdad are vibrantly decorated. Families gather around the Haft-Seen table, a traditional Nowruz setting made up of seven items that start with the letter 'S' in Persian, and each item has a symbolic representation, such as garlic for health and apples for beauty.
The festival encompasses many traditions, including visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, and partaking in outdoor activities to appreciatively welcome the arrival of spring. Fire jumping, a folkloric event, is another significant tradition where people jump over bonfires to symbolically cleanse for the new year ahead. Food is another essential aspect of Nowruz celebrations, with special dishes prepared for the occasion. Despite the struggles and conflicts in recent decades, Nowruz remains a significant celebration in Iraq, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the eternal cycle of life and regeneration.