Portland-based author Babak Shakeri is inviting the community to celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, with a series of events showcasing traditional customs and festivities. Nowruz, observed in Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries, marks the end of the previous year and the beginning of the new one.
The celebration includes traditional foods like kebabs, cardamom tea, sweets, and rice dishes, as well as the “haft-seen,” a symbolic display of seven items starting with the letter ‘S’ in Persian. These items include sumac for sunrise, vinegar for patience, and sprouts for rebirth.
Shakeri’s children’s book about Nowruz aims to introduce this tradition to those unfamiliar with it. This week, two events are planned: Chaharshanbe Suri tonight and another celebration on Friday featuring food, music, and dancing. Shakeri encourages the community to participate in these cultural celebrations and learn more about the rich traditions of Nowruz.
Source: https://katu.com/news/arc-pdx/author-babak-shakeri-invites-community-to-celebrate-nowruz-learn-iranian-traditions