March 25, 2025
City Council
DATE: March 25, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Subject:
Proclamation to Celebrate Nowrūz (Norooz)
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City has already allocated $3,000 to this public cultural activity.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
October 1, 2024
March 4, 2025
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Proclamation to Celebrate Nowrūz (Norooz).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION recognizing the celebration Nowrūz as
a community-building and peace-promoting event in
Richmond and the City’s first annual Nowrūz Spring
Equinox Celebration on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Marina Bay Park -
Councilmember Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
AGENDA
REPORT
March 25, 2025
DISCUSSION:
Nowrūz (pronounced Norooz) originated in ancient Persia more than 3,000 years ago and marks the traditional Persian New Year, beginning with the Spring Equinox, symbolizing renewal, unity, and hope for a brighter future.
Nowrūz is derived from two Persian words: "now" meaning new and "ruz" meaning day—together signifying a "new day"—which is celebrated at the exact moment of the astronomical Northward vernal equinox, occurring this year on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 2:01 AM PST.
Nowrūz is celebrated by over 300 million people worldwide, including Iranians, Afghans, Kurds, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Azerbaijanis, and many others in West, Central, and South Asia, highlighting a rich cultural tradition that fosters peace, inclusivity, and cross-cultural understanding.
Nowrūz traditions strengthen relationships, rekindle friendships, resolve past conflicts, and promote community engagement and resilience by bringing together people of all backgrounds in a spirit of forgiveness, generosity, and unity.
The celebration begins with Chahrshanbeh-Soori (Fire Wednesday) on the eve of the last Wednesday of the year, where families and neighbors come together to jump over bonfires, symbolizing the purification of the past and the renewal of energy for the year ahead.
The Haft-Sin table serves as a central symbol of Nowrūz, showcasing seven meaningful items that represent health, prosperity, love, patience, and renewal, often accompanied by sacred or literary texts such as the Khordeh Avesta, Quran, Bible, Torah, Kitáb-i- Aqdas, Shahnameh, or poetry of Hafez, reinforcing the deep spiritual and literary heritage of the occasion.
Nowrūz is a time of reconciliation and unity, where families, neighbors, and friends visit each other (“دید وبازدیدto restore relationships, share joy, and pass gifts to the younger generation, fostering a spirit of generosity and harmony.
Nowrūz is an ancient celebration marking the Spring Equinox and has been recognized by the United Nations General Assembly as an International Day of Nowrūz since 2010.
It is a time of renewal, reconciliation, and unity, promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding among diverse communities.
The 13-day celebration concludes with Sizdeh Bedar, a community-wide outdoor gathering in parks and natural spaces, where people celebrate nature, music, dance, and shared meals, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship, well-being, and social bonding.
March 25, 2025
Nowrūz has been recognized by the United Nations General Assembly since 2010 as an International Day of Nowrūz, acknowledging its role in promoting peace, cultural exchange, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
A public Nowrūz celebration enhances community resilience by providing an opportunity for neighbors to gather in person, strengthen personal and cultural connections, and build an inclusive, supportive network.
Celebrating Nowrūz in Richmond creates a welcoming space for diverse cultural expressions by offering a dedicated platform for artists, musicians, dancers, storytellers, and community groups to share their ancestral traditions and creative contributions, fostering warm, meaningful interactions that strengthen the social fabric of the city.
In addition to the City of Richmond, several businesses and Local firefighters 188 have generously sponsored this event, demonstrating their commitment to fostering cultural appreciation, social cohesion, and economic vitality within the community
Nowrūz celebrations play a crucial role in promoting peace, unity, and intercultural dialogue, encouraging understanding and cooperation among different cultural and ethnic groups.
The City of Richmond proudly sponsored its first annual Nowrūz Spring Equinox Celebration on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 11 AM to 5 PM at Marina Bay Park, featuring music, dance, storytelling, and food to offer a rich cultural experience for all residents.
The City of Richmond reaffirms its commitment to promoting community resilience, intercultural understanding, and inclusive celebrations that bring people together, strengthen social ties, and contribute to a more peaceful, connected, and vibrant community.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation