Iranians celebrate Newroz in Larnaca

More than one thousand Iranian nationals will celebrate Newruz in the coastal town of Larnaca this year.

According to the Larnaca Tourism Development & Promotion Company, around 1.200 Iranians are expected to arrive in Larnaca to spend a week celebrating the Iranian New Year and to revive customs and traditions of their country.

According to the Larnaca Tourism Development & Promotion Company, the number of Iranians arriving on the island is smaller than previous years and this is mainly due to competition by neighbouring countries, especially Turkey.

Larnaca hotels are preparing special evenings with themes dedicated to Newroz.

The Larnaca Tourism Development & Promotion Company said many Iranians in Larnaca have lit bonfires last night, a ritual which is part of the traditions when celebrating Newroz.

Newruz is the most important holiday in Iran. Preparations for Nowruz begin in the month Esfand (or Espand), the last month of winter in the Persian solar calendar.

It marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Persian calendar. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical Northward equinox, which usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is observed. The moment the sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year and families gather together to observe the rituals.