Kurds celebrate Newroz in Nashville

NASHVILLE, United States - Kurds gathered in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday to celebrate the Kurdish New Year (Newroz). The city is widely referred to among Kurds as Little Kurdistan.

The annual Newroz celebration in Nashville, typically held on March 21, was postponed this year due to its overlap with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The event is notable for drawing Kurds from around the world, and during Newroz, Nashville transforms into a vibrant symbol of a united Kurdistan.

“We came from Kentucky. Each year, we celebrate Newroz here in Nashville... It is such an honor because people from all four parts of Kurdistan are here, raising one flag and one voice to celebrate Newroz," Farzanda Mahmood Mzoori, one of the participants, told Rudaw. 

The festivities also see the participation of people from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan, transforming the occasion into a cross-cultural and cross-national celebration.

“Newroz represents Kurdish history and heritage. Since I first came to the United States in 1996, I have participated in Newroz celebrations and any Kurdish event held across the country," said Issam Zakhoyi, another participant, said.