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Kurds in Iraq ring in the new year

The ancient festival of Newroz marks the first day of spring and the vernal equinox.

People make their way up a path above Akre, while others gather on the roofs of buildings below. Most dressed up for the occasion in suits or traditional Kurdish clothing. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
People make their way up a path above Akre, while others gather on the roofs of buildings below. Most dressed up for the occasion in suits or traditional Kurdish clothing. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
By John Beck
21 Mar 2017

Kurds across the world were celebrating Newroz, the first day of their traditional calendar, on Tuesday. Festivities in Iraq’s Kurdish region began the previous evening, marking the start of a public holiday that allows families to come together and celebrate. 

The ancient festival marks the first day of spring and the vernal equinox. Akre, a town of around 20,000 people nestled between the mountains of northern Iraq, hosts one of the most popular and visually spectacular celebrations, drawing visitors from throughout the region.

Despite the ongoing war against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group (ISIL, also known as ISIS) in its Mosul stronghold, attendance was high. Families dressed up for the occasion, with men in traditional clothing, modern suits or military uniforms, and women in layers of bright, sequined fabrics.

Fireworks lit up the skies even during the daytime, while at dusk, torchlit processions snaked their way through the mountains. The flames refer to the legend of a blacksmith named Kaveh who defeated an evil king and then set the hillsides ablaze in celebration, while also signifying the light of spring and hopes for a bright future. 

Boys warm their hands by a bonfire above Akre as smoke from fireworks drifts in the background. Around dusk, people began to gather on the mountains around town to watch the fireworks and torchlight procession. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
Boys warm their hands by a bonfire above Akre as smoke from fireworks drifts in the background. Around dusk, people began to gather on the mountains around town to watch the fireworks and torchlight procession. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
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A member of the local security forces watches as a torchlight procession makes its way up a mountain. Security for the celebration was heavy, amid the ongoing threat posed by ISIL. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
A member of the local security forces watches as a torchlight procession makes its way up a mountain. Security for the celebration was heavy, amid the ongoing threat posed by ISIL. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
People carrying flaming toches make their way up the mountains overlooking Akre. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
People carrying flaming toches make their way up the mountains overlooking Akre. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
Kurdish men wearing traditional clothing and carrying flaming torches arrive at the top of a mountain overlooking Akre. This is the culmination of the day's festivities. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
Kurdish men wearing traditional clothing and carrying flaming torches arrive at the top of a mountain overlooking Akre. This is the culmination of the day's festivities. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
Men carrying flaming torches, including one wrapped in a Kurdish flag, prepare to climb down the mountain towards Akre after nightfall. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
Men carrying flaming torches, including one wrapped in a Kurdish flag, prepare to climb down the mountain towards Akre after nightfall. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
The torches and bonfires symbolise the passing of winter's darkness and the beginning of spring. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
The torches and bonfires symbolise the passing of winter's darkness and the beginning of spring. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
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Iraqi Kurds will now enjoy a national holiday during which families will gather to eat Newroz foods, dance, play games and spend time together. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
Iraqi Kurds will now enjoy a national holiday during which families will gather to eat Newroz foods, dance, play games and spend time together. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
It is traditional for Kurds to gather in the countryside for Newroz, and thousands travelled to the town of Akre to celebrate. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
It is traditional for Kurds to gather in the countryside for Newroz, and thousands travelled to the town of Akre to celebrate. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
Boys launch a rocket on a mountain overlooking Akre during a rainstorm. The sound of fireworks and occasional celebratory gunfire continued from early afternoon through to nightfall. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
Boys launch a rocket on a mountain overlooking Akre during a rainstorm. The sound of fireworks and occasional celebratory gunfire continued from early afternoon through to nightfall. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
Fireworks are seen over Akre during an unexpected rain and hail storm. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
Fireworks are seen over Akre during an unexpected rain and hail storm. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
A woman climbs a mountain overlooking Akre during a storm. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
A woman climbs a mountain overlooking Akre during a storm. [John Beck/Al Jazeera]
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