The annual Eldfesten (Fire Festival) in Stockholm's Kungsträdgården has been cancelled this year due to security concerns related to the Middle East situation and fears of potential conflicts within the Iranian diaspora community. According to SVT Stockholm, the event organizer, cultural association Farhang, made the decision citing the current security climate.
Rostam Mirlashari, producer at Farhang which organizes the festival, stated that they are aware disturbances could arise between different individuals in such situations. The Eldfesten, also known as Chaharshanbeh Soori, is a non-religious tradition celebrated before the Persian and Kurdish New Year Nouruz/Newroz, which falls on the spring equinox and is celebrated by Iranians, Kurds, and Afghans.
they are aware disturbances could arise between different individuals in such situations
Stockholm police spokesperson Ola Österling acknowledged that police are aware of increased threats against exiled Iranians in opposition. When asked if they would have been worried if the festival had proceeded, Österling responded that while they wouldn't have been worried, they would have taken measures to ensure no one needed to be concerned. Several other events connected to the holiday have also been cancelled across Sweden, with organizers citing that many feel sorrow and concern over the situation in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.
police are aware of increased threats against exiled Iranians in opposition
while they wouldn't have been worried, they would have taken measures to ensure no one needed to be concerned