As daffodils blossom and the snowy peaks of Mount Zagros begin to melt, the moment signifies far more than a change of seasons for the Kurds. On March 21, 2026, as the world enters spring, Kurds will also enter the year 2726.

The Kurdish New Year celebration of Newroz – a combination of the Kurdish words new, meaning “new,” and roz, meaning “day” or “sun” – marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes renewal, hope, and freedom among the Kurdish people. 

In the Kurdistan Region, Newroz is celebrated as a three-day holiday. Families and friends come together to enjoy traditional food, music, dance, fireworks, and other festivities. 

The celebration has its origins in ancient Zoroastrian traditions that date back over three millennia. Zoroastrians celebrated the arrival of spring as a time of renewal and rebirth, a tradition later adopted by the Kurdish people and transformed into a major cultural and political event for Kurds worldwide.

The story of the blacksmith

The festivities begin on the evening of March 20, with people gathering around bonfires. It is meant to signify the cleansing of bad luck or evil spirits, while also commemorating the fire kept alive by Kawa the Blacksmith, who fought against oppression in ancient times.

According to legend, an evil tyrant king named Zuhak once ruled the land. Kawa, a blacksmith, killed Zuhak and freed his people from years of suffering and bondage. Afterward, Kawa lit a bonfire on top of a mountain to represent this new freedom to the people. This act came to embody liberation through courage, a theme that remains evident today in the modern-day struggles of Kurds around the world.

As such, Newroz is both a colorful cultural celebration and a powerful political expression. In many parts of the world, Kurds have faced political persecution and discrimination, and Newroz is an expression of Kurds asserting their cultural identity, demanding their rights, and embodying resilience and strength. The day is often marked by political speeches and demonstrations calling for greater Kurdish autonomy and recognition.

Akre: The Capital of Newroz 

The city of Akre, in Duhok in the Kurdistan Region, is dubbed the capital of Newroz. Every year on March 20, thousands of spectators flock to Akre to revel in Newroz celebrations.

Akre’s significance resonates deeply with the Kurdish people, as it serves as the starting point for the age-old tradition of igniting fires to herald the New Year on spring’s inaugural day. The festivities traditionally encompass torch-lit processions up the mountains, culminating in a spectacular fireworks spectacle synchronized with music as celebrants descend from the peaks. Locals, particularly children, contribute to the jubilant ambiance with their own fireworks displays, while many adorn themselves in traditional Kurdish attire and picnic amid breathtaking scenery.

Alongside locals, thousands of tourists and diplomats from over 40 nations visit Akre to view this spectacle in person.

Feel the magic in person

Reading about Newroz is one thing, but being present in Akre to feel the warmth of the fire and the kindness of the people is another.

The best way to learn about Kurdish culture is to live and experience it yourself. Visit Kurdistan is an integrated platform that streamlines travel planning, access to services, and on-the-ground experiences. It has created a special travel package for international tourists who wish to experience why Akre is known as the Capital of Newroz.

Visit Kurdistan’s Newroz 2726 Experience invites you to:

See the show: Secure prime viewing spots in Akre for the torchlight procession and fireworks.

Taste the culture: Share traditional holiday meals with local families and enjoy the best of Kurdish cuisine.

Learn about the past: Take a guided tour of the Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the beautiful landscapes of the Zagros Mountains.

This spring, the Kurdistan Region invites travelers from around the world to take part in the Kurdish New Year celebrations in March 2026 and experience a tradition where fire, history, and hope converge.

To book your Newroz tour and view special itineraries, please visit www.visitkurdistan.krd.