Statement by Minister Rodriguez on Nowruz

OTTAWA, March 21, 2019

Today, many Canadians celebrate the beginning of Nowruz, which marks the New Year in the Persian calendar and coincides with the first day of spring.

Nowruz is an important traditional holiday for members of the Persian, Kurdish, Afghan, Zoroastrian, Bahá’í, Central Asian and Ismaili communities. During this festival, family and friends gather to celebrate with music and dancing, and to share a traditional meal. Nowruz, which means “new day” in Farsi, is an opportunity to reflect on the renewal and hope that the spring season represents.

This festival invites Canadians of all backgrounds to acknowledge the valuable contributions made to every sector of Canadian society by our fellow citizens of Persian, Kurdish, Afghan, Zoroastrian, Bahá’í, Central Asian and Ismaili heritage. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the depth and richness of their cultures.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, I wish everyone celebrating Nowruz today a very enjoyable new year.