Newroz

Newroz is a Kurdish national holiday. It is the first day of spring and the first day of the new year according to the Gregorian calander. The Medes which were the first Kurdish self-governed authority around (700 B.C.) celebrated Nawroz annually through different ceremonies including setting up fires of which is until now practiced all around Kurdistan. Fire is considered as a symbol of triumph in Kurdish mythology. During Newroz Kurds wear their traditional clothes and celebrate by picnicing and carrying out cheerful traditional Kurdish dances and songs.