The Chaharshanbe Suri ceremony, took place on Tuesday 16 March at the Freiheetsbaam in Bridel/Kopstal. From early evening people gathered to enjoy the festivities. As well as enjoying food and drinks everyone took part in the traditional ritual: there are a few bonfires and everybody has to jump over them in turn, singing “Sorkhi-ye to az man, zardi-ye man az to” which literally means “Your fiery red color is mine, and my sickly yellow paleness is yours”. Loosely explained, this means you want the fire to take your paleness, sickness, and problems and in turn give you redness, warmth, and energy.

There is no religious significance attached to Chaharshanbeh Soori and it serves as a cultural festival for Persians, Persian Jews, Muslims, Armenians, Kurds, Turks and Zoroastrians alike.

On Sunday 21 March “Nowrooz”, Iranians all over the world will celebrate Iranian New Year. Here in Luxembourg the community will gather at the Aalen Trampschapp in Limpertsberg. The party starts at 7.30 p.m. with Iranian tea, and sandwiches. There will be Iranian music and live singing of famous Iranian oldies. The event is one of many organized by Ariacult, a non-profit association based that organizes social events and festivals for those who love Persian culture.