The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil hosted a celebration for Nawroz (Persian New Year) or Newroz (Kurdish New Year) in March 2023. This holiday ushers in a two-week period of celebration in countries spanning the Middle East, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and beyond. Consul General Irv Hicks (5th from left) kicked off the event with a warm welcome to all attendees followed by a spirited performance by Ranya Music Band, a local group of 18 musicians who provided a rollicking soundtrack for the day’s festivities. Everyone enjoyed local culinary delights, including white rice with bean soup and chicken kalya, and Kurdish baklava, while decked out in the warm and bright colors of spring. Locally employed staff danced and shared in the joy of the occasion with colleagues and friends, as well as family members.
Photo by Sarbaz Hamakhan
