Iranian Americans Mark Somber Persian New Year Amid Unrest

Celebrations tempered by crackdown on protests, regional conflict

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:15am

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Iranian Americans are marking the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz, with a mix of somber celebrations and traditional festivities. Many communities have canceled or scaled back their usual Nowruz parties and events following the deadly crackdown on protesters in Iran in January. Some organizers are holding more subdued events, like vigils and concerts, to honor those killed while still observing cultural traditions.

Why it matters

The Nowruz holiday, which coincides with the spring equinox, is a time of celebration for Iranian Americans. However, this year's observances are tempered by the recent violence and unrest in Iran, where thousands of protesters were killed in a government crackdown. The conflict has spread throughout the region, making the typically joyous Nowruz celebrations more somber as the community grapples with the turmoil.

The details

In Los Angeles, Shima Razavi Gacek organized a vigil at a local park where photos of slain protesters were displayed, and Iranian Americans lit candles and performed a fire-jumping tradition. In New York, an elderly women's group canceled their annual Nowruz party, saying 'people are not in the mood to celebrate.' Other groups, like the Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce, have shifted their focus to providing mental health support to community members dealing with the stress of the conflict. Some events, like at NYU and in Manhattan, have incorporated memorials and calls for solidarity alongside the traditional festivities.

  • Nowruz is celebrated annually on the spring equinox.
  • The deadly crackdown on protesters in Iran occurred in January 2026.

The players

Shima Razavi Gacek

A 46-year-old Los Angeles resident who has lived in the U.S. since age 5 and organized a Nowruz vigil in her community.

Marjan Khalili

The president of the Long Island Ladies Association, an Iranian American women's group that canceled their annual Nowruz celebration.

Shani Moslehi

The chief executive of the Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce, which is providing mental health support to community members instead of hosting their usual Nowruz party.

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What they’re saying

“It is such a beautiful and joyous time of year. This year, it's not, but we need our community more than ever.”

— Shima Razavi Gacek

“People are not in the mood to celebrate the New Year. That's what Nowruz is — we welcome the New Year, and now we really don't have much to welcome, you know?”

— Marjan Khalili, President, Long Island Ladies Association

“Everyone I hear from is not doing well. The dancing and singing lasted a day, and people realized just killing that one guy is not going to solve the problem.”

— Shani Moslehi, Chief Executive, Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce

The takeaway

This year's Nowruz celebrations among Iranian Americans reflect the community's struggle to balance their cultural traditions with the somber realities of the ongoing unrest and violence in Iran. While many have chosen to scale back or modify their festivities, the desire to honor their heritage and support one another during this difficult time remains strong.