The Persian New Year, or Iranian New Year, begins on the Spring Equinox. The celebration, known as Nowruz, rings in a season of rebirth and good luck and is celebrated worldwide including right here in Ventura County. Nowruz: Persian New Year Celebration will be hosted at the Museum of Ventura County on Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Grab a friend and immerse yourselves in an exciting display of Persian culture at this free event, made possible with a generous grant from the Charles D. and Mary A. Bauer Foundation.
Experience the sights, sounds and taste of Persian culture during the Nowruz festivities at the Museum of Ventura County. An array of items from Kazakhstan such as tea pots, rugs and a traditional instrument known as a dombra will be on display. Guests will be encouraged to try traditional Persian tea, sweets and food from Diar Kitchen in Thousand Oaks. Traditional handson crafting will include making paper hyacinths and goldfish. As per the traditions of Nowruz, a haft-sin display will feature symbolic items, most of which represent good luck for the new year. Guests can also participate in mock fire jumping, a tradition that takes place before the actual New Year’s Day, for good health. Traditional music will also be playing throughout the celebration.
“I am half-Persian, so creating this event is very special to me,” said Leila Kaseke, the Museum of Ventura County’s Interpretive Site Coordinator. “The Persian community is a melting pot of cultures and customs from across the globe, and the Museum is celebrating Nowruz to highlight the diversity of people living throughout Ventura County.” Leila organized this celebration, the first of its kind in the city of Ventura, with support from women in the community who were also looking for a way to celebrate Nowruz communitywide.
The Museum of Ventura County celebrates, preserves and interprets the art, history and culture of Ventura County, the California Channel Islands and the surrounding region through its collections, exhibitions, events, educational programs, publications and its research library, and serves as a gathering place for the community. The Museum has two locations – the main museum is located at 100 East Main Street, Ventura, California (805-653-0323). The Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue,
