Festive Day for Persian New Year

The aroma of sizzling kabob and falafel wafted through the William Mason Regional Park here Sunday as more than 30,000 people continued the celebration of the Persian New Year with a barbecue picnic.

For 13 days each spring, Iranians throughout the world dance, exchange gifts and feast in honor of Nouruz, or New Day, which starts with the vernal equinox (March 20 this year).

According to lore, this equinox marks the day the world was created.

Since before 1700 BC, scholars say, Persians have used this transition of winter into spring to rejuvenate their souls through constant prayer and sharing.

The last day of Nouruz, called Sizdeh-Bedar, which falls today but was marked Sunday, is simply a time to rejoice in the spring air.

Families worldwide journey to open areas on this day to take in some sun and be with friends and family.

As more Iranians move to the area, Mason Park’s 8-year-old event has become the largest of such celebrations in Southern California, coordinators said.

“We are establishing a real presence here,” said Fardad Fateri, who organized the event in 1988. “It’s a good way to show how we want to be part of the community and how we can enrich it.”

With a gentle breeze rustling through the park’s trees, families spread their blankets in the shade and prepared lunch while listening to Iranian pop music.

According to holiday tradition, single girls secretly tie blades of grass together in hopes of finding new love.

And the boys were willing to oblige.

“I’m looking for a girl,” said 16-year-old Barmac Miremadi. “Point some out for me.”

Others meandered through a nexus of booths set up by local businesses offering anything from Persian art to free long-distance phone calls to Iran.

“Over there, they close down all businesses for two weeks,” said Darivoosh Dehdashty of Tustin, who phoned his uncle in Tehran to see how Nouruz celebrations were going there.

“Here, it is a little different.”

Instead of closing down, businesses use Nouruz to increase sales, he said.

One example of this was the Hollywood Park Casino booth.

While passersby stopped to listen, a woman explained in Farsi and English how fun playing blackjack was at the casino.

“We can teach you right here,” she said.

Michael Albert, director of marketing for the casino, was matter-of-fact about Hollywood Park’s presence.

“We aren’t going to ignore them,” he said. “Judging from the reaction, I think we will do quite well with the Persian community.”