As Iranians welcome the Persian New Year, Nowruz, communities across Germany are holding on to ancient traditions under the shadow of war at home.
With the arrival of spring, Iranians around the world welcome Nowruz, the Persian New Year. In Germany – home to the largest Iranian diaspora in Europe – the festival is traditionally marked by fire, food and family gatherings.
This year, however, the celebrations are taking place in a sombre atmosphere, shaped by war, repression and uncertainty in Iran itself.
What is Persian New Year?
Nowruz, which translates literally as “new day”, marks the beginning of the new year according to the Persian calendar.
It is celebrated on the spring equinox, usually on March 20th or 21st, and has roots stretching back more than 3,000 years.
Long predating Islam, Nowruz emerged from ancient Persian culture and is closely linked to Zoroastrian traditions, in which fire symbolises purification, renewal and life.
One of the most important rituals associated with Nowruz is “Chahar Shanbe Suri”, the Fire Festival held on the last Wednesday before the New Year.
READ ALSO: Germany ‘would have advised against’ US-Israel war on Iran
People jump over an open fire, symbolically absorbing its energy and casting their frailties into the flames. Fire also marks the end of winter and the rebirth of nature.
Over the centuries, Nowruz has remained a central cultural marker in Iran and across the wider Persian cultural sphere.
How are Iranians in Germany celebrating Nowruz?
In Germany, Nowruz is usually celebrated publicly and enthusiastically, particularly in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Düsseldorf. This year, however, the festivities have been deliberately subdued.
In Berlin, members of the Iranian Community in Germany (IGD) gathered in the courtyard of the Pangea House in Charlottenburg‑Wilmersdorf for a scaled‑down Fire Festival.
Instead of large crowds and fireworks, only a small group attended, sharing pastries, nuts and hot drinks and jumping over fire bowls.
IGD spokesperson Ehsan Djafari told the Berliner Zeitung that cancelling the celebrations was never an option. For many in the diaspora, Nowruz represents an Iranian identity that is cultural rather than religious or political – and preserving it has become more important than ever.
READ ALSO: ‘I knew it would happen’ – Iranian mum suffers abuse after winning Miss Germany
Celebrating in Germany, he noted, is also an act of solidarity with those in Iran who cannot do so safely.
A similar tone was evident in Düsseldorf, where around 150 people gathered quietly by the Rhine, according to a report by WDR. While fire‑jumping remained part of the ritual, candles and photographs of people who have died in Iran replaced music and dancing.
How big is the Iranian community in Germany?
Germany is home to the largest Iranian diaspora in Europe. According to figures from the Federal Statistics Office official, around 143,500 Iranian nationals were living in Germany in 2022.
When naturalised citizens and descendants are included, approximately 304,000 people are thought to have an Iranian migration background, with significant populations in Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main and North Rhine‑Westphalia.
Iranian nationals in Germany are employed at above‑average rates compared with other non‑EU migrant groups, with particularly high levels of participation among women – according to data from the Cologne Institute for Economic Research. Many work as doctors, engineers, academics and other skilled professionals.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
