Saturdays at SAM: Nowruz Celebration

Nowruz, meaning “new day,” marks the start of spring and the Persian New Year, with roots going back more than 3,000 years. Grounded in ancient Persian and Zoroastrian traditions, it’s a time to celebrate renewal, balance, and fresh starts. Today, over 300 million people across Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and beyond welcome the new year with shared meals, meaningful rituals, and time spent with loved ones, celebrating connection, culture, and the season ahead.

noon–2 pm | SAM Films + Talk: Nowruz in the Diaspora
Arnold Board Room 
Nowruz in the Diaspora (20 min, Porsesh Research Policy Institute) is a short documentary exploring the meanings of Nowruz among immigrant and diaspora communities. Through personal reflections and cultural moments, the film highlights how individuals and families maintain traditions while adapting them to new social and cultural environments. The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion on the themes of identity, memory, and belonging.

2:15–2:30 pm | Traditional Hazaragi dance performance
Brotman Forum
A traditional dance that embodies the spirit of renewal and celebration that defines the holiday. It also reminds us that cultural traditions continue to thrive as communities share their heritage across generations and across borders.

Image sourced from event website. Photo: Chloe Collyer