The first Nowruz celebration in one of the port cities on the southern coast of Britain was held in Portsmouth, with the participation of Afghanistani migrants and members of the wider community.
The event took place on Friday, 10 April, through a collaboration between the Farsi Action Foundation (FAF) and a group of cultural figures, scholars, and community activists who are dedicated to preserving and celebrating Nowruz traditions.
The organisers emphasised that the purpose of the programme was to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Nowruz and to strengthen cultural connections among Persian‑speaking communities. Speakers highlighted Nowruz as an important cultural legacy and underscored the need to safeguard and pass it on to future generations.
The celebration featured poetry recitations, musical performances, traditional food, and the presentation of Haft‑Mewa, all of which were warmly received by participants. The organisers noted that such cultural events will continue to be held abroad as part of ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate Persian cultural traditions.
Nowruz is a shared cultural festival among Persian‑speaking communities across various countries, celebrated each year with the arrival of spring and the New Year. In addition to traditional elements such as the Haft‑Seen table, music, and artistic performances, Nowruz provides an important opportunity for families to gather, strengthen cultural and linguistic ties, and celebrate their shared heritage.
For Persian‑speaking communities, Nowruz is more than a date on the calendar—it is a symbol of cultural continuity, resilience, and the transmission of historical values to new generations.