For siblings Edwin, 21, and Emilia, 22, from Gothenburg, this year's Persian New Year celebration known as Nouruz is marked by anxiety rather than festivity. According to a report from SVT Väst, their grandparents are currently trapped in Iran due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
The siblings, who normally celebrate the holiday with their grandparents at home in Gothenburg, now face a somber observance. "It's heavy, of course, difficult to celebrate as usual," Edwin told the broadcaster. Their grandparents traveled to Iran for personal reasons before the outbreak of war, despite warnings from Swedish authorities.
It's heavy, of course, difficult to celebrate as usual
Gothenburg has Sweden's largest population of Iranian-born residents, with approximately 13,000 people according to Statistics Sweden. Nationwide, nearly 90,000 people are Iranian-born. Many in the community reportedly share similar concerns about celebrating Nouruz this year amid the conflict.
Emilia expressed particular sorrow "for all those who have lost loved ones" in the war. The siblings said they spend much of their time following news about Iran and have difficulty contacting their grandparents. "Now they are stuck in Iran. We have a very hard time getting in touch with them," Edwin said.
for all those who have lost loved ones
Now they are stuck in Iran. We have a very hard time getting in touch with them