Navruz Festivities

Today was the first day of Spring, and therefore the biggest holiday here in our country, called Navruz (directly translated means "New Day").  Everyone celebrates this holiday and businesses are closed for 3-4 days.  I think after the long winter everyone is especially excited to get out and enjoy- the sun and warm weather and celebrate another new beginning.


This morning Drew and I went out and enjoyed some of the festivities.  They had one of the main roads closed off and booths were set up all down the road with handmade items and food.  It was a lot like going to the NC State fair actually, except the food was much cheaper.  There were thousands of people there and we got to see quite a few new things.  Amazingly, we also ran into about five people we know, which we thought was pretty impressive.


They also had a big concert/event at the stadium that is on that same road and we were able to get in and see just a little bit of it from far off- the stands were full at that point.  I think they had technically closed the gates at that point and weren't letting people in, but when the guards saw we were foreigners they let us go in.  I know that seems wrong, but sometimes you gotta' do what you gotta' do.  We were able to see some of the dancing on the big TV screen and even saw the president get up from his seat and dance a little.  It was fun and definitely a good cultural experience.


There are more things going on tomorrow and Wednesday so we'll see what else we get to experience.  Good times!