Photo Essay: Iranians invade L.A.’s Grand Park for 2015 No Ruz Parade!

[additional-authors]

Karmel Melamed

March 22, 2015

Several thousand Iranian Americans packed downtown L.A.’s Grand Park outside City Hall on March 21st to celebrate the Persian New Year of ‘No Ruz’. Families and friends greeted one another enjoying traditional Persian food and danced to Persian music. The crowds also enjoy the first annual Persian Parade in the city.

No Ruz is an ancient Persian secular holiday celebrated by Iranians of all faiths worldwide which marks the beginning of Spring carrying a message of peace, brotherhood and renewal. The festivities this year were spearheaded by the popular Iranian American film actress Mary Apick who spoke fondly to her community.

The following are just some of the photos I captured of the celebrations….

(left to right; Alan Semsar, Beverly Hills Planning Commissioner Joe Shooshani and former LA DWP head David Nahai, photo by Karmel Melamed).

(Traditional No Ruz “Haf Seen” table set to bringing in good health, prosperity and joy in the new year).

(former Beverly Hills Iranian Jewish mayor Jimmy Delshad, photo by Karmel Melamed).

(Popular Iranian American film actress Mary Apick, photo by Karmel Melamed)

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