On the eve of the Persian new year, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran held a glorious ceremony on 19th March 2016 in WTC Hall, Rotterdam, to celebrate Norouz. Hundreds of Iranians took part in the ceremony. The embassy had invited a group of imminent Iranian artist including pop and traditional singers, actors and actresses who are well-known and beloved in Iran. For it’s importance, the 3 hours long ceremony, was being broadcasted live in the Iranian global TV channel of Gam-e-Gam.

Norouz, in word, means “New Day”. It is the first day that starts the year, traditionally the exact astronomical beginning of the Spring(20th or 21st of march). Iranians along with several other countries and communities in west and central Asia take that as the beginning of the year according to their calendar. Norouz with its’ uniquely Iranian characteristics has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of the Zoroastrian (This was the religion of ancient Persia before the advent of Islam in 7th century A.D.).