Haji Firouz is a traditional Persian character who appears in the streets, sings and dances during the days leading to Nowruz.
The Persian New Year, or Nowrouz, is celebrated on the Spring Equinox, and heralds a period of new life and growth. In the weeks leading up to it, a traditional character called Haji Firouz makes his appearance in the streets. Dressed in red, with a black face, and playing a drum, he spreads the news that winter is ending and spring is coming.
On the final Wednesday of the year, known as Chaharshanbe Suri, ceremonial fires are lit and fireworks are let off all over the country.
Here are some photos of Haji Firouz street performances capturing the spirit and tradition of both celebrations.
Text by IFP, photos from YJC:
Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, announced that the construction…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet has voted unanimously to close Al Jazeera’s operations in…
Pro-Palestinian activists have launched encampments at more than 70 campuses to bring attention to Israel’s…
Iran’s president Ebrahim Raisi says the country has been promoted to the top of the…
Nearly four in 10 Americans have stated that the United States is doing too much…
Hundreds of Israelis demonstrated Saturday in Rehovot near Tel Aviv to demand the release of…