Aleppo, March 21 (SANA) Residents of the city of Afrin in the northern countryside of Aleppo marked Newroz with celebrations that included a march along Corniche Street in the village of Basouta.
Participants carried torches, candles and flags, while fireworks lit up the sky as part of the festivities, which began on Friday and are set to continue until midnight on Saturday.
Residents expressed their joy at celebrating the occasion. Khaled Imash, from Afrin, said Syrians this year are marking several occasions coinciding with the anniversary of the Syrian revolution, including Newroz, in what he described as an atmosphere of happiness and reassurance.
He added that the celebrations come particularly following the issuance of Decree No. 13 concerning the cultural and social rights of Syrian Kurds.
Roni Mohammad, from Basouta village, said residents were observing traditional Newroz customs and expressed hope that the occasion would bring joy to all. He noted that this year’s celebrations felt freer, pointing to the recognition of their rights through a presidential decree.
On January 16, President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued Decree No. 13 of 2026, affirming that Syrian Kurds are an integral part of the Syrian people and that their cultural and linguistic identity forms an essential component of Syria’s diverse national identity. The decree also designates March 21 as an official public holiday for the occasion.
Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, coincides with the spring equinox on March 21 each year, marking the start of spring and symbolizing renewal. Its roots date back more than 3,000 years.
F.J.
