Thanks to a day-long event at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, we were enlightened by Nowruz or the Iranian New Year. Commemorated on the vernal equinox in Iran, Afghanistan, Albania, the U.S., India and Turkey, Nowruz is recognized via vibrant cultural displays by more than 75 million people. In the city of LA, a mecca of Persian culture, Nowruz was celebrated on March 22, 2015 across the grounds of LA’s most prized museum.
A Sunday spent at LACMA is always enjoyable. The largest art museum in the western United States boasts over 120,000 objects that span history and geography. During Nowruz, meandering the grounds of LACMA was made even more beautiful by the display of springtime; traditionally symbolic of renewal and rebirth. Hosted by the nonprofit Farhang Foundation, the free fete featured floral installations, a colorful costume parade of garb from all regions of Iran, a series of short films, live music, dance and tasty middle-eastern inspired cuisine.
“Our Nowruz celebrations, in partnership with LACMA, have become a Southern California tradition. It is an honor for Farhang Foundation to share this historic and traditional Iranian celebration of the first day of spring with the entire community,” said Hormoz Ameri, Farhang Foundation Trustee and Chair.
During our afternoon spent reveling in Nowruz, we delighted in renowned singer Zohreh Jooya’s multimedia performance, “The Sounds of a Persian Spring.” It combined instrumental music, dance, poetry and theater to create a mesmerizing interpretation of spring. An ideal way to celebrate the loveliness of the season.
