Proclamation Declaring March 21, 2023 as Nowruz, or Persian New Year, in the City of Richmond
WHEREAS, the Persian New Year, also known as Nowruz, is a significant celebration in the Persian culture and the beginning of the Persian calendar year; and WHEREAS, Persian New Year is a joyous occasion celebrated by millions of people around the world, including in our own community; and
WHEREAS, Nowruz occurs on the first day of spring and thus is a celebration of new beginnings, hope, and communion with nature; and
WHEREAS, the Persian community has contributed greatly to the cultural diversity and richness of the Bay Area, and their traditions and customs are an important part of our community's heritage; and
WHEREAS, Nowruz is a holiday unbound by borders and unites people of people of Muslim, Zoroastrian, Baha'i, Jewish, and Christian faiths and people of Iranian, Azeri, Afghani, Kurdish, Tajiki, and Balouchi heritage; and
WHEREAS, the people of Iran have taken to the streets this past year to demand respect for their democratic rights, including the right to freedom of speech and assembly; and WHEREAS, Iranian women have been at the forefront of this movement, bravely demanding an end to discriminatory laws and police repression; and WHEREAS, may Nowruz also mark our city’s solidarity with the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and democracy, and especially the determination of Iranian women who have been leading the fight for gender equality and justice; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Eduardo Martinez, Mayor of the City of Richmond, do hereby proclaim March 21, 2023 as Nowruz, or Persian New Year, in the City of Richmond. In observance of Nowruz, I wish all Richmond residents and people throughout the world who celebrate this significant occasion Nowruz Mobarak.
I hope that the spirit of Nowruz, which puts utmost faith in renewal and brighter days ahead, will be experienced by our entire community in the coming year.
Signed,
Eduardo Martinez
City of Richmond, California