Photos of Nowruz carnival in Hamedan

Iran’s city of Hamedan has been hosting a carnival aimed to please people on the occasion of Nowruz, an ancient festival that marks the arrival of spring and the Persian New Year.

The carnival, which involves joyous programs, roams main streets of the city every day.

The carnival is organized by Hamedan’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization and a number of theater artists.

Iranians mark Nowruz by setting the Haftseen, a table with seven symbolic items starting with the Persian /s/ sound, including Sabzeh (freshly grown greens), Samanu (a sweet pudding made from germinated wheat), Senjed (a dried fruit), Seeb (apple), Seer (garlic), Somaq (sumac), and Serkeh (vinegar).

They also mark the 13-day celebration by making family visits and travelling; however, the coronavirus pandemic, which enters its second year, has overshadowed the festival.

SQ/MG