How to celebrate Nowruz like a local

Nowruz is a festival celebrated across several countries to mark the arrival of spring and the start of the new year. While the core celebrations include fire, food, and family, each country celebrates it in their own unique way. Here’s how to celebrate Nowruz like a local in Iran, Iraq (Kurdistan), Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

Iran

In Iran, Nowruz is a nationwide event filled with customs that go back thousands of years. It’s more than just a celebration of the new year; it’s a time to clear out the old and bring in the new: whether that’s cleaning your home or your spirit. The streets are filled with family gatherings, lively markets, and rituals designed to reset everything for the coming year.

How to celebrate Nowruz like a local in Iran:

Jump over a bonfire: If you’re in Iran before Nowruz, remember the last Thursday night of the year (Chaharshanbe Suri) , join locals in this exciting tradition. It’s not only fun but symbolizes a fresh start for the year ahead.
Visit a Haft-Seen table: This special table is set up with seven symbolic items, each representing something significant for the new year. As a guest, try to admire and understand the meanings behind each item.
Join the Sizdah Bedar picnic: On the 13th day of Nowruz, everyone heads outdoors for a day of family picnics. Bring traditional foods like Sabzi Polo (herbed rice) and Kuku Sabzi (herb frittata), and enjoy the social atmosphere.

Kurdistan (Iraq)

In Iraq’s Kurdish region, Nowruz is a festival full of passion and history. It commemorates the victory of Kawa the Blacksmith over a cruel king, making it a symbol of freedom and renewal. With large bonfires, vibrant dance parties, and music, the atmosphere is always electric.

How to celebrate Nowruz like a local in Kurdistan:

Light a bonfire: Just like the locals, gather around a large bonfire, jump over it, and enjoy the warmth of the fire with friends and family.
Dance the night away: Kurdish music and dance are a huge part of Nowruz. Don’t be shy: join in with the locals! Traditional Dabke dances are a must-try.
Wear something colorful: The streets are full of color during Nowruz, so dress in vibrant clothes to blend in and embrace the lively spirit of the festival.

Tajikistan

In Tajikistan, Nowruz is both an agricultural celebration and a time to honor Persian culture. People gather to enjoy rich foods like sumalak, a special pudding made from wheat, and participate in cultural activities such as poetry recitals and buzkashi (a traditional horseback game).

How to celebrate Nowruz like a local:

Join a poetry recital: If you can, participate in or watch poetry recitals. Tajiks love to recite Persian poetry during Nowruz, so try your hand at a poem or just enjoy the atmosphere.
Help cook or eat Sumalak: Locals prepare sumalak together, so if you get a chance, join in the fun! The longer it cooks, the better it tastes.
Watch Buzkashi: Find a buzkashi match in a local park or square. It’s intense and thrilling to watch: just make sure to keep your distance from the action!

Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s Nowruz celebrations are all about community, fun, and tradition. The festival’s main focus is to welcome spring with a fresh start, and there’s no better way to do that than by flying kites, enjoying outdoor games, and sharing delicious foods like Haft Mewa (a sweet mixture of dried fruits and nuts).

How to celebrate Nowruz like a local in Afghanistan:

Fly a kite: Flying kites is a key part of the Afghan Nowruz experience. Join in on the fun in a local park, and don’t be surprised if you make a few new friends while doing so.
Share Haft Mewa: Bring some dried fruits, nuts, and other local treats to share with others. It’s all about hospitality and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Join a Guli Surkh event: In some regions, you’ll find Nowruz-related cultural events, including poppy blossom festivals. Participate to get a true taste of the local traditions.

Ready to celebrate Nowruz like a local?

Now that you know how to celebrate Nowruz like a local in each country, why not experience it yourself? Whether you’re jumping over fires in Iran, flying kites in Afghanistan, there’s no better way to enjoy the festival than by immersing yourself in the local traditions.

Book your adventure with CultureRoad Travel, and celebrate Nowruz the way the locals do!