Nowruz celebration at Melrose Library
The second annual Nowruz celebration in Roanoke takes place at Melrose Public Library on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, marks the first day of spring and the renewal of nature. The celebration was hosted by Local Colors of Western VA in collaboration with the City of Roanoke, Blue Ridge Literacy, and Commonwealth Catholic Charities.
Tazhan Hadi is dressed in a traditional Kurdish outfit during the Nowruz celebration at Melrose Public Library in Roanoke on Saturday. Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, marks the first day of spring and the renewal of nature.
Ahoo Salem, executive director of Blue Ridge Literacy, dances with friends during the Nowruz celebration at Melrose Public Library in Roanoke on Saturday.Â
Tazhan Hadi, from left, her husband, Ali Mangoory, Mahsa Ahmadi, Luisa Hernández, and Ahoo Salem enjoy a traditional kurdish dance during the second annual Nowruz celebration at Melrose Public Library in Roanoke on Saturday.
The Haft Seen Table on display during the Nowruz celebration in Roanoke shows seven items representing health, wealth, beauty, and fortune in the new year. This year Nowruz begins the evening of Monday, March 20.
Sanaa Karkenny, owner of Middle East Feast catering, prepares chicken and beef shawarma during the Nowruz celebration at Melrose Public Library in Roanoke on Saturday.
Najwa Noorzad, 4, dances during the Nowruz celebration at Melrose Public Library in Roanoke on Saturday.
Tazhan Hadi and her husband, Ali Mangoory are dressed in a traditional Kurdish outfit during the Nowruz celebration at Melrose Public Library in Roanoke on Saturday, March 18, 2023.
Samim Noorzad dances during the Nowruz celebration at Melrose Public Library in Roanoke on Saturday, March 18.
Ali Mangoory participates in a traditional Kurdish dance during a Nowruz celebration at Melrose Public Library in Roanoke on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, marks the first day of spring and the renewal of nature.
Roanoke Councilman Joe Cobb speaks during the Nowruz celebration at Melrose Public Library in Roanoke on Saturday, March 18.
Roanoke Councilman Peter Volosin speaks during the Nowruz celebration at Melrose Public Library in Roanoke on Saturday, March 18.
Heather Rousseau
Heather Rousseau is The Secular Society Investigative Fellow at The Roanoke Times. She moved to Roanoke in 2015 and has worked around the country as a visual journalist for over 15 years. She loves to share stories through photography and video.
In Iran, Afghanistan and many Middle Eastern countries, the New Year is celebrated around the spring equinox, as light and life start returning to the natural world.
The second annual Nowruz celebration in Roanoke takes place at Melrose Public Library on Saturday, March 18, 2023. Nowruz, also known as Persi…