Cyprus hosts Iranian cultural week for New Year

Cyprus has hosted an Iranian cultural week in the attendance of Iranian handicrafts artists and musicians.

The event was held on the occasion of the Iranian New Year, known as Nowruz, which began on March 21.

Ambassadors, resident diplomats and high-profile officials of Cyprus took part in the event.

Iranian ambassador to Nicosia Reza Zabib delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the program.

The Iranian cultural attaché in Nicosia opened an exhibition to display photos and drawings of historical attractions of Iran.

Iran’s cultural offices in more than 30 countries have celebrated Nowruz with the programs continuing until April 2.

A number of Iranian groups have been set to perform musical and theatrical programs as well as cultural festivals and exhibition during the celebration.

Iran’s Islamic Culture and Relations Organization is the main organizer of the events.

Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, South Africa, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Azerbaijan, India, Turkey, and Russia are among the countries to host the Iranian events.

Celebrating Nowruz as the International Day of Happiness, the UN General Assembly named March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz since 2010.

A number of countries share this holiday, including Iran, Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan.

Nowruz starts with the beginning of spring and equinox in Iran, where people hold ceremonies for the onset of the season.

MG/HY