Nowruz Lentefestival

Sat 1 Apr 15:30 - 22:00

Sat 1 Apr '23

15:30 - 22:00

Sat 1 Apr '23

15:30 - 22:00

Amare & Nieuwe Kerk

Past event

Nowruz is an ancient spring festival celebrated by more than 300 million people around the world as the start of the new year. While it is an annual highlight that many people eagerly look forward to each year, it is overclouded this year by the turbulent events in Iran and Afghanistan.

Still, it remains important that we gather together for Nowruz to embrace the new year. That’s how it has been for thousands of years. But we will start this new year in a more restrained manner than usual, with an adjusted programme and extra attention for the voices and the liberation struggle of women in the region.

Programme

Poetry & story-telling
Sholeh Razazadeh
Shahzoda Samarqandi
Baban Kirkuki
Sahand Sahebdivani

Music
Sepideh Raissadat en Ensemble
Jina Band ft. Babak Rajabi
Junoon Ensemble
Duo Beshno met Terence Samson
Duo Belan

Nowruz marktet
The Nowruz market is held at Kunstenplein (ground floor) from 4 to 8pm, offering all sorts of delicious food and drinks from various cultures and regions, as well as bookstalls. The market is free to visit.

Go here to read more about the programme.

Since some time, a large area in the geographical-cultural heartland of Nowruz has been in the grip of turbulent events and circumstances. Iran has been in the throes of anger and resistance ever since the tragic death of a young girl named Mahsa (Gina) Amini, following her violent arrest by the so-called morality police. Many Iranians, spearheaded by rebellious and self-assertive women, refuse to bend any longer to the religious dictatorship. Through brutal violence, arrests and executions, the Iranian regime is attempting to suppress the flames of this revolt.

Also in Afghanistan, where the returned Taliban government is banning girls and women from participating in public life, work and education, women are revolting with the support of many men. Regrettably, the Taliban regime continues to violently impose its anti-female policies, and the situation is worsening every day.

These are turbulent as well as tragic times. Which makes it all the more important to focus attention on the voices of women and the liberation struggle of all people in this region.

Family discount
Coming as a group? Then request the family rate and receive a discount of 15% (4 people) or 20% (5 or more people).

Ooievaarspas discount
Ooievaarspas holders are eligible for a discount on the ticket price for this festival. To book tickets, we need to see your Ooievaarspas for registration purposes. Please contact our booking office to book your tickets.

Origin
Nowruz is originally a festival of Median and Persian peoples. Every culture has its own traditions and rituals. The Hague is embracing Nowruz with a multidisciplinary festival combining music, dance, poetry, food and drink, inviting visitors to discover each other’s cultural backgrounds and offerings. Celebrated from Afghanistan and Iran to the Balkan region, Nowruz has a long tradition and has been designed by UNESCO as a festival promoting peace and solidarity. Two values that fit perfectly with the core values of the city of The Hague.

Nowruz is an initiative by Balout Khazraei. As a committed resident of The Hague, she is untiringly dedicated to enhancing the city’s rich cultural profile.