10th Annual Farhang Foundation Nowruz Festival

Twirls of colorful silk, drum beats, stilt walkers, puppet shows and a series of other attractions will be part of this year’s Farhang Foundation’s 10th Annual Nowruz (Iranian New Year) celebration. The festivities will take place at UCLA’s Royce Hall and Dickson Court on Sunday, March 11, 2018 starting at 12 p.m.

Guests can take part in this free festival exploring Iranian culture, one of the oldest in the world, while also embracing the first day of spring—that universal time of renewal and rebirth. Celebrated on the vernal equinox in Iran, Afghanistan, Albania, the U.S., India, Tajikestan, and Turkey, the New Year, called Nowruz (“new day”), is welcomed with vibrant displays of culture by more than 75 million people around the world.

Excitement for the event heightens with the inclusion of Farhang Foundation’s annual Banner Design Contest. This year’s winner, the work of Iranian born, L.A. based designer Sara Ashrafizadeh, can be seen splashing the sprawling streets of Los Angeles with rich and vivid colors and images reminiscent of the vibrant Iranian culture.

he celebration boasts the same authentic programming as last year as well as a number of new exciting events all over campus. Experience varied musical acts, children’s arts & crafts, a colorful Iranian spring walk, a traditional Iranian Haft Sin display, Iranian dance, and a rare United States performance by Iranian folk legend, Sima Bina at Royce Hall and more. Farhang Foundation’s Nowruz celebration offers a unique, colorful cultural experience and has become the largest celebration in the nation with last year’s event at UCLA garnering over 25,000 guests.

All outdoor activities are free and open to the public without tickets, and will take place in Dickson Court North and South, which are adjacent to each other and to Royce Hall. The Musical Program, inside Royce Hall starring Sima Bina begins at 6 p.m.. Tickets for this performance are available here starting at $35.