Kurds, Americans, and individuals from various nations came together at the American University in Washington on Wednesday to celebrate Newroz, the Kurdish New Year. The event, held for the second consecutive year at the university, showcased Kurdish culture through traditional clothing, music, and cuisine, while also providing attendees with an overview of the significance of Newroz.
The celebration was organized by the Global Kurdish Initiative for Peace at the university’s School of International Services. Attendees, including students and community members, enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere filled with Kurdish traditions. Some Americans even wore traditional Kurdish attire to mark the occasion.
Zenaida Rowe, a student at the university, expressed her excitement about participating in the festivities. “It feels great to be here. It is such an honor. I am so happy that my friend invited me to join her. I am wearing the Kurdish dress because she encouraged me to, and I wanted to celebrate properly for my first time experiencing Newroz with Kurdish people,” she said.
For many Kurdish attendees, celebrating Newroz outside their homeland carries a mix of emotions. Hawzhin Abdulrahman, a master’s student, highlighted the challenges of being away from family and loved ones during the holiday. “When you leave Kurdistan, it’s difficult to celebrate with your loved ones like you would back home. But at the American University, for two years now, we’ve been working to bring Kurds together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with Kurdish food and clothing, to honor this special occasion,” she explained.
Shvan Goyani, another student, described Newroz as a “sacred day” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share the celebration with non-Kurdish friends. “Our American and non-American friends have come to learn what Newroz means and why it’s so important to Kurdistan. We’re very happy to share this with them. While we would have loved to be in Kurdistan, celebrating here has been meaningful,” he said.
Newroz, which marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal and freedom, is celebrated not only by Kurds but also by other communities, including Persians, Afghans, and Azerbaijanis. In the United States, the festival is observed in various cities and states, with one of the largest gatherings scheduled for April 6 in Nashville, often referred to as Little Kurdistan.
The event at the American University served as a reminder of the enduring cultural ties that bind the Kurdish diaspora, even far from their homeland.
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