Nowruz: Persian New Year Celebration

Presented in partnership with the Zoroastrian Association of Houston

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Schedule

Friday, March 17, 2023
5:30 p.m. Program

This Spring Break, celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, with us!

Marking the first day of spring and the renewal of nature, Nowruz highlights the values of peace and solidarity among generations, families, and neighbors, contributing to cultural diversity and friendship among peoples and different communities. Celebrating Nowruz also means a celebration of life in harmony with nature. Stemming from ancient Zoroastrian roots, the word "Nowruz" means "new day." The holiday — also spelled as Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, Nauryz — is celebrated by more than 300 million people in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East, United States, Canada, and other regions.

Following daytime activities throughout the week at Asia Society Texas, join us Friday evening for a special all-ages celebration featuring performances, arts and crafts, cultural learning opportunities, stories, food, and more! All are welcome to join our free Spring Break events for this opportunity to learn, engage, connect, and have fun.

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP for planning purposes.

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Related Event

In-person

Spring Break 2023: Nowruz

Tuesday 14 Mar 2023

Celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, with free, hands-on arts and crafts throughout Spring Break at Asia Society Texas!

All-Ages Activities

Haft Seen Table
See an elaborate display of the Haft Seen Table, which symbolizes the rebirth of spring and new hope during Nowruz.
Presented by the Zoroastrian Association of Houston

Rose Bookmarks
Symbolizing beauty and love, the rose is used extensively in Persian culture in the forms of perfumes, designs, food, and more. Paint beautiful rose bookmarks with an artist!
Presented by the Zoroastrian Association of Houston

Shahnameh Display
Browse a beautiful and rare collection of Shahnameh books depicting the stories of legendary and ancient Persian royalty and heroes! Watch an artist paint a folio on-site, and create your own art inspired by the artist.
Presented by the Zoroastrian Association of Houston

Persian Name Writing
Discover the beauty of Persian script and try your hand at writing your name and messages in Persian.
Presented by the Iranian Cultural Foundation

Greeting Cards and Embellishment
Create beautiful, embellished cards for all occasions!
Presented by the Zoroastrian Association of Houston

Backgammon Table
Presented by the Iranian Cultural Foundation

Silk Road Interactive Display
Enjoy an interactive display of items along the Silk Road, a trade route that connected Central Asia, China, and Europe.
Presented by the Zoroastrian Association of Houston

Tile Magnets
Tiles play an integral role in Persian architecture and design. Create and take home a pretty tile magnet!
Presented by the Zoroastrian Association of Houston

Spring Motif Painting
Make your own bejeweled name tag and other spring-related works!
Presented by the Houston Bahai'i Community

Photo Booth
Create memories of the Nowruz celebration with your friends and family!
Presented by the Iranian Cultural Foundation

Performances

Event Schedule

6:30 p.m.	Persian Song presented by Behzad Kaigobadi & Group
7 p.m.	Songs of Spring presented by Ms. Teng & Students from Ed White Elementary School
7:10 p.m.	Scarf Dance presented by Asian American School of Dance
7:25 p.m.	Persian Dance presented by ICF
7:30 p.m.	Afghani Dance presented by Ismaili Council of Southwestern USA
7:35 p.m.	Persian Song presented by Behzad Kaigobadi & Group
7:50 p.m.	Interactive Bollywood Dance presented by Rhythm India Dance School

Presenting Sponsor of Spring Break: Celebrating Nowruz

Sponsor of Spring Break: Celebrating Nowruz

Earth Stone & Colours
Society of Iranian American Women for Education

Program Partner of Spring Break: Celebrating Nowruz

Education and Outreach programs at Asia Society Texas are presented by Wells Fargo. Generous funding also provided by Cathay Bank Foundation and the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation. Additional support is provided by Friends of Asia Society Texas, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing the best in exhibitions and public programming to Houston.

Presenting Sponsor

Additional Support

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.