With the start of Spring this year, many Iranians of all faiths living in Southern California and elsewhere worldwide celebrated the Persian New Year of 'No Rooz' on March 20th. My recent piece in the Journal highlighted the efforts by local Iranian Americans to give back to the larger community during No Rooz celebrations this year. Suprisingly No Rooz is a secular Persian holiday that marks re-birth and giving back– a celebration of life that brings together Iranian Jews, Christians, Muslims, Bahais and Zoroastrians. Local elected officials on hand to celebrate with Iranian Americans in Westwood Village on March 24th included; L.A. City Councilmembers Dennis Zine, Paul Koretz, Eric Garcetti, L.A. City Treasurer Wnedy Gruel, and U.S. Congressman Tony Cardenes who first began the tradition of honoring No Rooz in L.A. City Hall near eight years ago.
Here is some video of traditional Persian dances taking place at No Rooz Festival in Hollywood…
Here is video of L.A. City Councilmember Paul Koretz speaking at a No Rooz event in Westwood Village on March 24th…
The following are just some of the photos I captured of No Rooz celebrations in Los Angeles this year…
(Iranian American businessman Alan Semsar and L.A. City Councilmember Eric Garcetti at Hollywood's No Rooz festival, photo by Karmel Melamed)
(Cooks preparing traditional Persian kebabs at Hollywood's No Rooz festival)
(Young Iranian Americans making No Rooz designed eggs)
(Young Iranian dancers at Hollywood's No Rooz festival)
(Photos of ancient Persian reliefs at No Rooz festival in Hollywood)
(left to right; L.A. City Councilmember Paul Koretz, Iranian American businessman Alex Helmi and former California Assemblymember Mike Fuerer, photo by Karmel Melamed)
(left to right; U.S. Congressman Tony Cardenes and L.A. City Treasurer Wendy Gruel, photo Karmel Melamed)
(Former California Assemblymember Mike Fuerer speaking at No Rooz event in Westwood Village)
(Popular No Rooz table known as “Half Seen” table)
