Guide to Nowruz: Persian New Year 2025 & Chaharshanbe Suri 2025 in Vancouver

What is Nowruz?

Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year, is an ancient festival that marks the beginning of spring and the start of the Iranian calendar year. Celebrated for over 3,000 years, Nowruz has its roots in Zoroastrian traditions and is observed by millions of people worldwide, particularly in Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Central Asia, and the Kurdish regions. The festival occurs on or around March 20-21, coinciding with the spring equinox.

The History & Customs of Nowruz

Nowruz is deeply rooted in Persian culture and is associated with themes of renewal, prosperity, and harmony with nature. The celebration consists of several important traditions:

• Khaneh Tekani (Spring Cleaning): Before Nowruz, families thoroughly clean their homes, symbolizing a fresh start for the new year.
• Haft-Seen Table: A special table is set up with seven symbolic items, each starting with the Persian letter ‘S’ (Seen):
  • Sabzeh (Sprouted wheat or lentils) – Represents rebirth
  • Samanu (Sweet wheat pudding) – Symbolizes strength
  • Senjed (Dried oleaster fruit) – Signifies love
  • Seer (Garlic) – Represents health
  • Seeb (Apple) – Symbolizes beauty
  • Somaq (Sumac) – Represents sunrise and patience
  • Serkeh (Vinegar) – Symbolizes wisdom and aging
• Chaharshanbe Suri (Fire Festival): The Tuesday night before Nowruz, people celebrate by jumping over bonfires while chanting "Zardi man az to, sorkhi to az man" (May my sickness go to the fire and your energy come to me!). This tradition symbolizes purification and renewal.
• Sizdah Bedar (Nature Day): On the 13th day after Nowruz, families go outdoors for picnics, embracing nature and casting away bad luck.
• Eidi (New Year's Gifts): Elders give money or small gifts to younger family members as a token of good fortune.

Nowruz & Chaharshanbe Suri Celebrations in Vancouver

Vancouver has a large Persian community, and the city hosts various Nowruz and Chaharshanbe Suri events that bring together people of all backgrounds to celebrate Persian culture.

Chaharshanbe Suri (Persian Fire Festival) Events in Metro Vancouver

• Chaharshanbe Suri: Persian New Year Fire Festival in Coquitlam
  📅 Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
  📍 Location: Town Centre Park, Coquitlam, BC
  🎟️ Admission: Free
  🔗 Event Details: Chaharshanbe Suri 2025 in Coquitlam

• One of the most vibrant Persian Fire Festival celebrations in Metro Vancouver, this event in Coquitlam's Town Centre Park attracts hundreds of people for a night of fire-jumping, fireworks, Persian music, and dancing. Families and friends gather to mark the beginning of the Persian New Year, with local vendors offering Persian cuisine, sweets, and tea. The event is open to all and showcases the warmth and unity of the Persian community.
• Persian Fire Festival in West Vancouver
  📅 Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
  📍 Location: Ambleside Park, West Vancouver, BC
  🎟️ Admission: Free
  🔗 Event Details: Persian Fire Festival in West Vancouver

• Set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of Ambleside Park, this Chaharshanbe Suri celebration in West Vancouver is a favourite gathering for Persian families and friends. The event features live DJs, traditional fire-jumping, cultural performances, and a spectacular fireworks show. Attendees can also enjoy Persian food stalls offering dishes like Kebab, Ash Reshteh, and Saffron Tea. This event is a great place for both Persian and non-Persian attendees to experience the richness of Iranian culture.
• Chaharshanbe Suri: Persian New Year Fire Festival in North Vancouver
  📅 Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
  📍 Location: Waterfront Park, North Vancouver, BC
  🎟️ Admission: Free
  🔗 Event Details: Chaharshanbe Suri in North Vancouver
• North Vancouver is home to one of the largest Iranian communities in Canada, making its Chaharshanbe Suri festival one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year. Held at Waterfront Park, this event includes fire-leaping rituals, Persian drumming performances, and a communal atmosphere of celebration. Whether you're joining in the fire-jumping tradition or simply soaking in the cultural experience, this event is a must-attend for anyone looking to partake in Nowruz 1404 festivities.

Nowru

Nowruz New Year Celebration at Capilano Mall – A Joyful Persian Tradition

📅 Date & Time: Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Grand Court, Capilano Mall, 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, BC
🎟 Admission: Free – Open to all ages

Nowruz New Year Celebration at Capilano Mall

Step into the rich cultural heritage of Nowruz (Persian New Year) with a lively and family-friendly celebration at Capilano Mall! Nowruz, meaning “new day” in Farsi, is a 3,000-year-old festival marking the arrival of spring, renewal, and prosperity. This free event invites you to immerse yourself in Persian traditions, enjoy spectacular performances, and celebrate the beauty of this time-honoured occasion.

📅 Date & Time: Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Grand Court, Capilano Mall, 935 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, BC
🎟 Admission: Free – Open to all ages

Where to Experience Persian Culture in Vancouver

• Lonsdale Avenue (North Vancouver): Known as "Little Persia," this area has numerous Persian restaurants, bakeries, and shops offering Nowruz essentials.
• Persian Grocery Stores: Shops like Aria Market, Vicinity Mart, Jordan Supermarket sell Nowruz-related items.
• Persian Restaurants: Enjoy traditional Nowruz dishes at Gilaneh, Cazba, Zeitoon, and Khaghan Restaurants.

Nowruz is a celebration of life, renewal, and unity, bringing people together in a festive and joyful atmosphere. Whether you’re Persian or simply interested in cultural traditions, Vancouver’s Nowruz and Chaharshanbe Suri events offer a fantastic way to experience this vibrant holiday. Don’t miss out on the chance to join in the celebrations, enjoy Persian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Persian traditions.

For the latest Nowruz and Chaharshanbe Suri event listings in Vancouver, visit Vancouver Page