CELEBRATION: Iraqi Kurds carry torches as they mark the New Year celebration of Nowruz in the town of Akri, about 300 miles north of Baghdad. Nowruz, celebrated at the arrival of spring, is rooted in Kurdish folklore. (Safin Hamed AFP/Getty Images)
COLORFUL: Kurdish girls dance beside a fire in celebration of Nowruz in Akri, Iraq. (Safin Hamed AFP/Getty Images)
LIGHTING UP THE TOWN: The village of Akri, is lighted with torches as Kurds celerbate the New Year holiday of Nowruz. (Safin Hamed AFP/Getty Images)
SPARKLING: An Iraqi Kurd lights fireworks in celebration of Nowruz in Akri, Iraq. (Safin Hamed AFP/Getty Images)
HOLIDAY PRIDE: Kurds celebrate Nowruz in Kirkuk, Iraq, north of Baghdad. (Khalil Ainei / EPA)
A DAY IN THE PARK: A Baghdad park is a scene of rare tranquillity as Iraqis relax and celebrate Nowruz. (Mohanned Jalil / EPA)
PEACEFUL GATHERING: Iraqi families celebrate Nowruz in a Baghdad Park. (Mohanned Jalil / EPA)
FAMILY TIME: A familiy celebrates Nowruz and the arrival of spring in Baghdad. (Mohanned Jalil / EPA)
SPRINGTIME FUN: Iraqi families fill the Ferris wheel at a park in Baghdad as they celebrate Nowruz on the first day of spring. (Mohanned Jalil / EPA)
