The public celebration of Chaharshanbeh Soori, the fire festival marking Nowruz, has been canceled in Sweden this year due to increased security threats. The cancellation is due to increased security threats, including increased threats against opposition figures from Iran since the outbreak of war. In response, alternative celebrations have been organized, including a pre-recorded concert broadcast on the Farhang Association's YouTube channel on March 21. Social Democratic Party leader Magdalena Andersson and Culture Minister Parisa Liljestrand participated in the concert. Despite security concerns, a gathering to celebrate Nowruz was held at Medborgarplatsen in Stockholm.
Fear and division are spreading among Iranians globally due to the war. Many people are afraid to celebrate due to the war in the Middle East. Families and friends in Iran are experiencing painful arguments and divisions over the war. A Basij member refused to greet his own sister who opposes the regime during a family gathering. There are deep divisions among Iranians opposed to the government over whether the war will help or hinder attempts to bring about change. The war has amplified divisions within the Iranian diaspora.
In the United States, numerous Nowruz celebrations were canceled or recast as somber affairs. The Iranian Association of Boston canceled all its Nowruz events. Similarly, in Norway, many Iranians are not celebrating Nowruz this year due to the war and uncertainty about family in Iran. The Iranian Cultural House in Norway is holding a memorial gathering for those killed in Iran instead of a traditional celebration. Iranians in London are adapting Nowruz celebrations with a quieter tone.
Inside Iran, the war's impact is stark. Markets in Tehran reopened as residents prepared for Nowruz despite ongoing strikes. More than 1,300 people have been reported killed across Iran since the start of the war. Many Tehran residents have left the city since the start of the war. Internet access remains limited and GPS signals unstable in Iran. The Iranian government has imposed an internet blackout. At least 6,508 protesters were killed and 53,000 arrested in Iran during protests in December and January, according to HRANA.
Overall, the war has cast a shadow over Nowruz celebrations globally.