Grand Iwan Nowruz Festival celebrates Persian culture until Sunday, ahead of Persian New Year
Posted March 15, 2025 4:56 pm.
Last Updated March 15, 2025 6:08 pm.
The Grand Iwan Nowruz Festival takes center stage at Concordia University’s Loyola Campus for a two-day celebration leading up to the Persian New Year on March 20.
“We wanted to bring this rich culture to a wider community in Montreal. So, because of that, we have had this event through art, community, music, this traditional bazaar, as you can see,” said Hessam Sobhani.
The festival highlights Persian culture with about 30 vendors and 20 art workshops, with a focus on women in the arts and business.
“We try to encourage them to have a more powerful role in the community, and especially that is so meaningful after Mahsah Amini and Women’s Life Freedom movement. As you can see, Iranian women are arising, they can get their role in the community, and it is kind of against the extremist government that we have in Iran,” explained Sobhani.
One artist is excited to share her 20 years of experience in Iranian painting, known as Miniature. Given the intricate details of the paintings, demonstrating her expertise in just two hours will surely be a challenge.
“In only two hours it’s not easy. For example one of the paintings that I have, I spent one year to finish it because there are lots of details. So imagine how it’s possible to teach this kind of amazing art. So I try my best but I’m really happy that people are eager to have this kind of workshop,” said Mehrnaz Mohajer.
A closing ceremony on Sunday, featuring live performances of music and dance by 30 artists, will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Loyola Chapel.
Along the way, visitors are invited to discover the art of the Iranian Haft-Sin table.
“Each item represents what we are wishing in our heart for the coming year. Like for example brightness, happiness, fertility,” explained Fa Eze Rouzi. “The apples represent beauty and all represent happiness and cheer for the coming year. And If you knock at the door of each Iranian door, you will see this beautiful table at their home which touch your heart.”
