Norouz Celebration in Pierrefonds

March 31, 2007

Author: Marc Lalonde

Source: The Chronicle

http://www.westislandchronicle.com/v4/article-89130-Norouz-celebration-in-Pierrefonds.html

A community organization devoted to helping Iranian-Canadians integrate into Canadian society and hang on to their Iranian culture celebrated the Iranian New Year and the coming of spring Saturday night at the Marcel Morin Community Centre in Pierrefonds.

The celebration, which sold out its 250 tickets, marked one of the Iranian Cultural Society of the West Island’s biggest events of the year, vice-president Anahita Keyhani said.

“Norouz predates Christianity and Islam — it comes from the Zoroastrian tradition, which is the ancient religion of Iran, and it is celebrated the first day of spring. It’s a very big occasion,” she said.

Tradition says Norouz celebrants mark the New Year by preparing a table of traditional Iranian goodies and when spring officially arrives — this year, it was March 20 at 8:06 p.m. — they dig in and enjoy. The second part of the tradition, which entails greeting your neighbours and sharing New Year’s wishes with them, Keyhani said.