Each year on the spring equinox, the Persian new year is celebrated, a tradition dating back to over 3,000 years.

To celebrate, the New Neighbors Coalition of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is putting on a dinner to celebrate the Persian new year for the first time. The event takes place at 6 p.m. today.

The night will begin with an introduction to the holiday known as Nowruz, informing guests on the background and purpose of the celebration, according to Momina Di Blasio, New Neighbors Coalition manager. In addition to the information and background, a host of games and activities will be available, which are specially selected to reflect the traditions of the holiday. After the night of mingling and fun, a buffet-style dinner will be presented, featuring a variety of Afghan cuisine with vegetarian options for those that wish.

Nowruz is a holiday dating back thousands of years to the Asian regions, celebrating the start of a new year. The holiday has roots in the Zoroastrian traditions of Persia and Central Asia, continuing today with celebrations all around the world. Today the holiday is still widely celebrated throughout many countries in the Middle East including Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Mongolia, and their diasporic communities. With many of these countries in the midst of conflicts at the moment, gathering not only helps to form a sense of community but also to raise awareness for the protection of people’s homelands.

“At a time where many countries across the region are experiencing turmoil and violence, the chance to celebrate the arrival of spring and the new year is meant as an act of solidarity and a reminder that the traditions celebrated by these nations, and their diaspora, are ours as well,” said Di Blasio. “West, Central, and South Asian immigrant communities are an essential part of the United States. Their traditions are woven into our own, their celebrations are our celebrations. We strive to share in collective joy, just as we stand together in times of grief.”

Any proceeds raised from the event will go toward supporting Persian and Central Asian natives who have emigrated to the local region. Tickets for the event can be purchased online or by coming to the parish in-person. For more information contact momina@stlukesjamestown.org, or call 716-483-6405.