Kurdistan
People have visited Akre town in the Kurdistan Region to participate in its renowned Newroz celebration on Friday evening, March 20, 2026, climbing a hill overlooking the town while carrying torches in their hands. Photo: Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Senior leaders from the Kurdistan Region on Friday extended their Newroz greetings to the Kurdish people, emphasizing unity and resilience as preparations get underway to celebrate the Kurdish New Year across the Region.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani described Newroz as “a profound expression of a history marked by struggle and stories of resistance.”
“Newroz is a symbol of the defeat of darkness and the renewal of life. It stands as a historical truth that no force or weapon can extinguish the fire of freedom in the souls of the Kurds,” he said. “Today, the flame of Newroz reminds us to remain resilient, confront challenges, and strengthen solidarity and unity.”
Celebrated annually from March 21 to 23, Newroz is marked by outdoor gatherings, picnics, and the lighting of bonfires with family and loved ones. Festivities take place across the Kurdistan Region, with hundreds of thousands of Kurds participating in traditional dances while wearing colorful national attire.
President Barzani added that the Kurdish New Year “embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our constitutional achievements in the spirit of Newroz, including the preservation of federalism and the political framework of the Kurdistan Region, which are the result of the sacrifices made by the martyrs and our long struggle.”
This year’s Newroz comes amid heightened instability in the Middle East, with ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
“As we welcome spring and celebrate Newroz, our region finds itself in a delicate and complex situation,” he said, adding that “the threats of war and their repercussions are ever-present. It is essential that we act with a sense of historical responsibility to confront these challenges in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Peace, and the pursuit of it, remain among our most significant assets, and only through stability can we build a brighter future.”
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also extended his “warmest congratulations” to the people of Kurdistan.
“For the people of Kurdistan, Newroz symbolizes victory, freedom, resistance against tyranny, the arrival of spring, and the beginning of a new life,” he said. “I hope this Newroz marks the beginning of a period of peace and reassurance for our people, and the end of war and unrest.”
The Kurdistan Region has faced a wave of aerial attacks since the outbreak of conflict between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, many of which have been claimed by pro-Iran groups operating inside Iraq.
“I thank the people of Kurdistan for their resilience,” the prime minister said. “Unfortunately, due to unjust and terrorist attacks by outlaw forces and militias, the Region and the lives of its citizens have been placed in a difficult situation. We are using all our capabilities to protect Kurdistan and keep it safe from danger.”
According to Rudaw’s monitoring, more than 400 drones and missiles have targeted the Kurdistan Region since the start of the conflict, resulting in several deaths and over 55 injuries.
President Masoud Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), said this year’s Newroz comes amid “many changes, complications, and tensions in our region.”
“In this sensitive and historic moment, political parties must coordinate and cooperate more than ever, and prioritize the interests, peace, and security of our country,” he said, expressing hope that “this Newroz will mark the beginning of greater unity and brotherhood among political parties and the people of Kurdistan.”
Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of unity.
“On this national occasion, I reaffirm our commitment to national unity and solidarity among our people and political parties, so that together we can protect our nation from the threats facing our region,” Talabani said.
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