With war in Iran, Nowruz celebrations are muted for SoCal Iranian-Americans

In Southern California — home to the largest Persian community outside of Iran — the annual festivities for Nowruz, the Persian New Year, have been muted by the ongoing war in Iran.

Nowruz coincides with the Spring Equinox and celebrates life, the beginning of spring, and the triumph of light over darkness. The celebrations typically last 13 days.

Dancing in the lobby of Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa during the 2025 Nowruz celebration.

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Courtesy of Pacific Symphony

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LAist

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How has Nowruz changed this year?

The L.A.-based Farhang Foundation, which promotes Iranian arts and culture, canceled its 16th annual Nowruz event at UCLA this year. “It just was not something that was appropriate when so many Iranians are mourning the terrible loss of life in Iran,” said Alireza Ardekani, the foundation’s CEO.

Iranian-American conductor and composer Shardad Rohani.

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Courtesy of Pacific Symphony

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LAist

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Nowruz with the Pacific Symphony

Some Nowruz celebrations are still taking place, including an April 4 performance by the Pacific Symphony and guest Iranian musicians and artists. Shardad Rohani, former music director of the Tehran Symphony Orchestra, said it’s important to emphasize the holiday’s message of hope.

“Without hope, there is really no future,” he said. “So we are really not a hundred percent in the mood of celebration, but we are hopeful.”