21 Mar 2019 | 01:45 AM UTC
Iran/Iraq: Nowruz celebrations begin March 21
Iran and Iraq plan Nowruz, or Persian New Year, celebrations March 21-24; disruptions expected to continue in coming weeks
Event
Nowruz, or Persian New Year that is celebrated in Iran, parts of Iraq, and other areas in the region, is set to begin on Thursday, March 21. In Iran, the holiday will be celebrated from Thursday to Sunday, March 24, though festivities may continue for up to two weeks. A heightened security presence may be observed around large gatherings and commercial and transportation disruptions are expected in areas celebrating the holiday. In Iraq, the central government announced that Thursday would be an official holiday. The holiday is mostly celebrated in the Kurdish region. Similar disruptions are possible from Thursday through Sunday.
Context
Nowruz is celebrated during the vernal equinox and is recognized as the Persian New Year.
Advice
Individuals in Iran and Iraq are advised to remain vigilant for criminal or suspicious behavior, avoid large crowds, keep a low profile, and anticipate government, commercial, and transportation disruptions.
