Iraqi president, PM, parliament speaker hail Newroz as celebration of resilience, unity

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s president, prime minister and parliament speaker on Thursday congratulated the Kurdish people on the occasion of the Kurdish New Year, Newroz, hailing it as an opportunity to strengthen unity.

“The lighting of the Newroz flame stands as a powerful symbol of heroism, sacrifice, and the triumph of justice over oppression,” said Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid in a statement, adding that “it marks the dawn of a new era, embodying renewal, resilience, and hope.”

Rashid emphasized the importance of national unity and urged Iraq’s political factions to work collectively toward social cohesion, upholding democratic values, and protecting human rights and freedoms. He also stressed that preserving the people’s "hard-won achievements" requires "unwavering support" for the constitution and institutions.

For his part, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani also extended his best wishes to the Kurdish people, stating that Newroz reminds Iraqis of their “bonds of love, shared destiny, and great history.”

Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani extended his “warmest congratulations on the occasion of Newroz to our Kurdish brothers,” noting that the Kurdish New Year “is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate unity and diversity.” He underlined that “we take pride in our shared history and work towards building a better future for all.”

Newroz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Kurds who hold colorful and extravagant festivities, lighting large fires and performing the traditional Kurdish folk dance, Halparke, where large crowds of people, young and old, hold hands and dance together.

The year 2025 corresponds to 2725 in the Kurdish calendar. Kurds will be celebrating Newroz between March 21 and 23.

In the Kurdistan Region, the town of Akre in Duhok province, widely considered as the capital of Newroz, has prepared over 2,000 torches for the festival with tens of thousands expected to flock to the area to celebrate.

Kurds from all over the Kurdistan Region traditionally gather in the town of Akre to honor the ages-long tradition of lighting fires to welcome the New Year on the first day of spring.

Hundreds of thousands of people from the Kurdistan Region, as well as Kurdish regions in Turkey, Iran, and Syria, will celebrate the eve of Newroz on Thursday, also symbolizing a day of freedom from tyranny and resistance.

Iraqi president, PM, parliament speaker hail Newroz as celebration of resilience, unity

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