Persian Celebrations for Kids: Festivals Full of Fun, Light, and Love
Persian culture is rich with joyful celebrations that mark important moments in the calendar year. From the arrival of spring to honoring love and friendship, each festival offers children a chance to learn, share, and have fun. These celebrations are filled with colorful customs, delicious foods, music, and special rituals that bring families together and connect generations.
Nowruz: The Persian New Year
Nowruz, also spelled Norooz, is the most important holiday in Persian culture. It means “new day” and marks the beginning of spring and the new year in the Persian calendar. Celebrated for 13 days, it begins around March 21st and is shared by people across Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and even parts of Eastern Europe.
During Nowruz, homes are cleaned top to bottom in a tradition called khaneh tekani. Families set up a Haft-Seen table with seven symbolic items starting with the letter “S” in Persian, such as garlic (seer) for health, apples (seeb) for beauty, and coins (sekkeh) for wealth.
Special foods are served throughout the holiday. On the day before Nowruz, many families prepare herbed rice with smoked fish, full of parsley, coriander, chives, dill, and fenugreek. On the first day of Nowruz, Resteh Polo, a dish with noodles and rice, is eaten. It symbolizes a fresh start and helps children feel excited about the year ahead.
There are also outdoor picnics, egg painting, and small gifts for children. Music, dancing, and community events make it one of the most joyful times of the year.
Sepandarmazgan: The Day of Love and Friendship
Celebrated on February 18, Sepandarmazgan is often called the Iranian Valentine’s Day. It’s a day to honor love, kindness, friendship, and the earth. On this day, children might make cards, give hugs to family members, or help care for plants and pets.
A traditional treat on this day is sunflower seeds and raisins, which symbolize the warmth and sweetness of life. Families may spend quiet time together, share kind words, and reflect on the importance of compassion.
Sepandarmazgan is a wonderful opportunity for children to talk about emotions, express gratitude, and celebrate the people and planet they love.
Chaharshanbeh Soori: The Festival of Fire
Taking place on the last Tuesday night of the Persian year—usually March 13—Chaharshanbeh Soori is a festival of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope for the year ahead.
The most exciting part of the celebration is the fire jumping ritual. Small bonfires are lit in open areas, and people jump over the flames chanting, “Zardi-ye man az toh, sorkhi-ye toh az man!” meaning “My paleness to you, your redness to me.” It’s a way to say goodbye to sickness and sadness and welcome health and energy.
Children love the excitement of the night, which also includes wearing disguises like chadors, playing in the streets, and enjoying delicious snacks. There are fireworks, storytelling, and a joyful spirit shared by all.
Bringing Persian Celebrations Home
With platforms like Dinolingo, children can learn Persian while also exploring these beautiful cultural traditions. By learning words related to holidays, greetings, food, and songs, kids gain a deeper connection to the customs. Dinolingo’s playful lessons are great for kids ages 2–14 and are accessible on web, iOS, and Android. One account works for up to 6 users, and there’s also offline access and a parent dashboard to track learning.
Celebrating Persian holidays at home, even in small ways, helps children feel connected to a rich cultural heritage. Whether it’s painting eggs for Nowruz, enjoying a handful of sunflower seeds on Sepandarmazgan, or drawing pictures of fire for Chaharshanbeh Soori, there are endless ways to engage with the joy of Persian festivals.