During the month of December, many Christian countries around the world prepare for Christmas. Streets, homes, and businesses are adorned with festive decore, and lights and glittery ornaments decorate trees and outdoor spaces, and classic carols play everywhere. For Persians, this time marks the celebration of another ancient event: Yalda night, or, Shab-e-Yalda.
There is a rise of Halloween celebrations (as known by westerners) for Persians in Iran and around the world. And while the celebration as we know it is celebrated in October, there is a even a more direct correlation between Halloween and one of our own beloved holidays.
Nowruz (pronounced no-rooz) is a combination of two Persian words. The first word “now” means new and the second word “ruz” means day; together they mean “New Day.” Nowruz is the name for the celebrations that observe the New Year for many Persian and Central Asian communities. The exact beginning of the New Year occurs when the season changes from winter to spring on the vernal equinox, which usually happens on 20 or 21 March each year. The spelling of Nowruz in English can take many forms, including: Noroz, Norouz, Nowruz and Norooz. For this resource we have used the spelling Nowruz.
Every year, my sisters and I, annoyed by having to do all these things, took a long look at all of our belongings. Let go of the ones that were old. Let go of the ones that are not old, but had no use for them, and then cleaning whatever was left.
Yes, it's true! We'll see you in 2022!
To our dearest friends and endless supporters, we can't express how much we have missed you. We are wishing you are all healthy, safe, and finding your lives entering a place of normalcy once more. Last we spoke, we had to put our show (which was just a week from going live on stage!) on hold. We mentioned that it wouldn't be the end, and when the time was right, we would be ready to celebrate together once more.
With increasing concerns for the community’s health and well-being during the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, it is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Niosha International Conservatory of Arts (NICA) has decided to postpone upcoming performances of The Story of Nowruz at the Palace of Fine Arts on March 21st and 22nd, 2020.
As promised to our amazing members, early access to The Story of Nowruz tickets are now available just for you! Not only do you get to select your seats before the general public, but you also receive an exclusive, members only discount of 25% off! This offer expires on 11/23 - so don’t miss out.
When looking at Persian history and heritage heritage, there is so much to be proud of — and endlessly fascinated by. The flourishing of Persian people and civilization has led to an expansive contributions of science, literature, art, and math to the modern world. While we may know a few that come to mind, below is a much more comprehensive (and maybe surprising!) list of some of the many incredible contributions to the world.
Niosha International Convervatory of Arts is on a mission! We are all about heART and believe that art is the bridge between cultures and people all over the world - and we’re looking to shine the spotlight on artists from all over.
Mehrasa Bagheri of the beautiful Albatross Restaurant in Danville graciously hosted the NICA Foundation along with new and old friends for a Happy Hour to remember!
Over the span of three days, guests from all over the Bay arrived to support the arts, while enjoying delicious food, drinks and conversations, thus carrying out NICA’s mission of unifying cultures through the borderless world of art.
The first production "Story of Nowruz" (pronounced Norooz) describes the unique celebration of the arrival of Spring and the beginning of the Persian new year. From the exciting ancient Zoroastrian soul cleansing fire jumping ritual, to the good luck charm and beauty of the "Table of the Seven S's.”
Yalda Night 2019 is right around the corner. What’s behind this ancient celebration? And how do you celebrate it today?
It may be shocking to many to learn about the connections between these very old traditions, but indeed, Halloween and Chahar Shanbe Soori are connected in ancient motives.
Does Khane Takani (the equivalent of spring cleaning in western culture) have to wait until Nowruz?
The spelling of Nowruz in English can take many forms, including: Noroz, Norouz, Nowruz and Norooz. If you're an Iranian, you've likely engaged in an argument or ten regarding the correct spelling of the Persian new year “Nowruz.” In fact, us spelling it as such probably gave you pause. Let’s discuss!
When looking at Persian history and heritage heritage, there is so much to be proud of — and endlessly fascinated by. The flourishing of Persian people and civilization has led to an expansive contributions of science, literature, art, and math to the modern world. Here is the most comprehensive list of some of the many incredible contributions to the world.
NICA Event Calendar
Media
The legendary Anthony Say is Professor of Theatre and Dance at Pomona College in Claremont. Shay is a performer and choreographer specializing in dances from eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and central Asia. In 50 years of work, he has created over 200 choreographies. NICA is honored to have him as both an advisor and major supporter of The Story of Nowruz.
