Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Nowruz:

“Nowruz begins today, ushering in longer days and the welcome arrival of spring.

“People throughout British Columbia join more than 300 million people around the world in celebrating the Persian new year.

“Nowruz – meaning ‘new day’ – has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years. Marking a time of rebirth and renewal, Nowruz is a chance for family and friends to come together to feast, to exchange gifts and to reflect on the coming year.

“One of the most important Nowruz traditions is the preparation of the Haft-Seen table, which is set with seven symbolic items representing hope, renewal and prosperity for the coming year.

“Throughout B.C., families and friends will be celebrating with live music, dancing, food and fire jumping – a tradition that symbolizes the purging of the past year’s negativity, and the welcoming of health and positivity for the coming year.

“On behalf of the Government of British Columbia, I wish all those celebrating a happy and peaceful year ahead.

“Norouzetan Pirouz!”