About 100 people gathered in downtown Cornelius on Wednesday night to celebrate an ancient tradition for the Persian New Year.
Outside a bar with a sand court, people celebrated Chaharshanbe Suri — the fire festival. Dances and hugs were exchanged, as people chanted and jumped over seven mini bonfires.
Charlotte resident Niema Alimohammadi helped organize the event.
“This is a Persian tradition event that happens every year. It dates back thousands of years, back to the times of the Zoroastrian religion," Alimohammadi said. "We jump over fires as a ritual to kind of pure ourselves for the new year. It’s a big celebration where people get together, family and friends.”
The festival often features fireworks and Iranian dishes. It traditionally takes place on the last Tuesday before Nowruz, the Persian New Year. DJ Shayan Jahanpanah is originally from Iran but has lived in the United States for 11 years. Jahanpanah jumped over the fires Wednesday.
“It’s awesome that we are able to create this environment for the community,” Jahanpanah said. "That everybody can gather around and celebrate our tradition.”
The Persian New Year also coincides with the start of spring.
