Nav Ruz

Nav Ruz is Persian New Year, a major holiday for any people of Persian descent (Afghans, Tajiks, Iranians). Our little town had a big party in front of the government building, sort of town hall, with stalls, dancing, and displays, sort of a little county fair. It did take place in March, so our timing is a bit late, but with internet this is when we could post pictures. 

Nav Ruz partiers at the line of stalls, showing off and selling wares

Demonstrations from the local martial arts classes.

Traditional dances.

Cooking Osh in big pots. This is a traditional meal, cooked the traditional way. Basically it's flavored rice.

Traditional instruments and dress. The couples in the back are wearing traditional wedding dress.

At several points in the festivities, all the little kids just got up to dance. I think we need more holidays where unsupervised children dance randomly in public.

Everyone carries around plates of grass. I think it symbolizes new life in the new year.

And the dutch aren't the only ones with wooden shoes.

Food types on display.

Traditional dress, bride and her dad.

Wooden and metal handicrafts.