- April 19, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Those attending Nowruz, an Iranian festival for the new year on March 12, will get a view of the country that is different than what is normally shown on television. There will be colorful costumes, dance and music at the event, which is presented by the Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach.
“We want to show people our culture and how we are proud of it,” said Susan Joulaee, of Ormond Beach, chairwoman for the festival, held for the second year at Rockefeller Gardens
“The music is joyful and happy.” she said. “When two people from Iran get together there is dancing and music.”
Nowruz, the Persian new year, is always on the vernal equinox. So, the festivities also welcome spring with traditions such as egg coloring, which children can enjoy in the Kids Fun Zone.
Tea and Persian cookies will be served in a tea house, an Iranian custom for guests.
Another tradition is a special table setting, with required items such an apple, greenery, fish in a bowl, Persian cookies, gold coins, etc.
“When two people from Iran get together there is dancing and music.”
SUSAN JOULAEE, chairwoman, Nowruz festival
“It’s like our version of the Christmas tree,” Joulaee said. “Everything on the table is symbol of happiness, health, growth and good luck.”
Fariba Toutounchian, also of Ormond Beach, said Howruz is still celebrated in Iran.
“That’s one thing the ayatollah couldn’t take away,” she said.
She said last year’s festival was “awesome.”
“I did not expect so many people,” she said. “We were able to show our culture. It was pretty amazing.”
:
:
Toutounchian said coming to America, or attending school here, is the dream for almost every Iranian. She said the Iranian population is well educated and travel all over Europe.
“They know what’s going on and are very up to date,” she said. She compared Tehran to New York.
“You can get anything you want in New York and anything you want in Tehran.”
Her brother came to America 40 years ago at the time of the revolution. The wars with Iraq were starting, so her dad decided it was best for him move away. Her mother traveled to America to visit, eventually getting her green card and citizenship. Toutounchian was able to move over and gain citizenship because family was here.
“It’s been a blessing,” she said. “I love Ormond Beach.”
:
:
Joulaee came from Iran in 1995 when she was about 21 years old. She was able to come after winning a lottery for green cards through the U.S. government, which involved filling out a very involved application.
She said it was hard working in Iran, where religion has a big role throughout society. For instance, she would have to cover her hair when she went to work. She said some people could change into a different person to go to work there, but it was difficult for her.
“I’m my own person and couldn’t pretend to be one of them,” she said.
