Every year on March 21st, Kurds come together around the world to celebrate the Kurdish New Year, known as Newroz. But among the countless celebrations, the one in Akre, dubbed the capital of Newroz, attracts the largest number of tourists.

This year, President Masoud Barzani, accompanied by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, welcomed several foreign diplomats in Akre to share the joy of spring’s arrival with thousands of people.

One of the rituals of the Newroz celebration in Akre is the carrying of torches by more than 2,500 men and women to the top of a mountain, which ends with a massive bonfire, Kurdish music and traditional dance.