Cupertino Celebrates Persian New Year
Cupertino will celebrate Persian New Year, or Nowruz, at the Cupertino Library. The celebration aims to share Persian culture and traditions with the broader community.
Nowruz, meaning "new day" in Persian, is more than just a new year; it's an ancient celebration of life and the triumph of light over darkness. With roots in Zoroastrianism, dating back over 3,000 years, it marks the arrival of spring on the vernal equinox, usually March 20 or 21. Cupertino's celebration aligns with similar events held worldwide, from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to McNears Beach Park in Marin County. The holiday is a secular festival embraced by diverse communities, symbolizing renewal and unity. UNESCO recognizes its significance as a unifying cultural event. Traditions include "khaneh tekani" (spring cleaning), setting the "Haft-seen" table with seven symbolic items starting with the letter "S" in Persian, and community celebrations with dance and music. The Haft-seen items symbolize health, fertility, and rebirth. The holiday culminates on the thirteenth day with "Sizdah Bedar," an outing to parks and nature. Cupertino has a significant Iranian population; in 2010, Iranian ancestry was self-reported by 2.3% of the population. The city's celebration fosters cultural understanding and preserves diversity. Cupertino's demographics show a large Asian population, with 70.92% of residents identifying as Asian. The Cupertino Library frequently hosts events aimed at community engagement and cultural enrichment. These events, including the Nowruz celebration, provide opportunities for residents to learn about different cultures. Other library events include ESL conversation clubs and children's story times.
