On 21st March, the Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR), partner of UNHCR and Bureau of Migration and Asylum (BMA) organized the celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year which is one of the most important cultural holidays celebrated by various ethno-linguistic groups in Iran, Afghanistan, in the countries of Central and Western Asia and it marks the first day of spring, which usually take place on the vernal equinox.
The event gathered at the Community Centre more than 50 refugees and asylum seekers that were congratulated by the Head of Directorate of Asylum and Integration, BMA, Mr. Iulian Popov, the Director of CCR, Mr. Ahmad Djavid Paknehad, and the lecturer from the Free International University of Moldova, Mr. Ghulam Ali.
Participants enjoyed a presentation of the characteristics of the festivity and traditional music about New Year from Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, India etc.. The celebration ended with traditional food in a cheering atmosphere, prepared by the refugee community such as plov from Afghanistan, baklava from Turkey and Arabic dishes.
Th event aimed at supporting the added value of the cultural diversity and promoting tolerance among the local community through exchanging traditions of refugees and asylum seekers, representatives of different cultures.
Text: Doina Crăciun – Project Assistant
Photo Credit: Carolina Rijac
