Members of the Senedd, esteemed Welsh and Kurdish figures, and other distinguished guests marked the Kurdish New Year with a special celebration in the Senedd today (Thursday).    

Organised by the Kurdish All Wales Association (KAWA), the Newroz event was sponsored by Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar MS. 

Newroz is the Kurdish celebration of the Persian new year holiday “Nowruz.” Kurdish Newroz coincides with the Spring Equinox and is a festival celebrating the beginning of spring. 

Over the years, Newroz has come to represent new beginnings, as well as an opportunity to support the Kurdish cause. For these reasons, Newroz is considered to be the most important festival in Kurdish culture. 

Speaking after the celebrations, Darren said: 

“It was a real pleasure and a great honour to host this magnificent celebration of the Kurdish New Year – a time of renewal, unity and cultural price.  

“It was an uplifting event with traditional Kurdish music, dance, and cultural performances. 

“The gathering provided all those in attendance with a unique opportunity to engage with Kurdish heritage, share in the festive spirit, and strengthen the bonds between our communities.

“A huge thank you to everyone who attended and celebrated this special event in the Kurdish calendar.” 

The Kurdish All Wales Association is a Cardiff-based non-governmental organization committed to enriching the lives of the Kurdish community in Wales. Their mission revolves around providing essential services, fostering cultural understanding, and establishing strong bonds with diverse communities across Wales. For further information visit www.kawa.wales