RAMA HALAF

On the evening of March 19, I was sitting in my seat on a bus from Damascus to Qamishlo, thinking about the long way to Qamishlo, a city that I had never been before… It was not an ordinary visit for me; I was excited to participate in Newroz celebrations for the first time with my Kurdish friends.

On the morning of March 20, I arrived in Qamishlo at sunrise. I was welcomed by my friends. The city was decorated for the Newroz celebrations. My friends told me the rituals of the celebrations with great enthusiasm. I listened to them carefully to learn all the details. Because Newroz symbolizes freedom from oppression and tyranny for them.

The fire of Newroz symbolizes freedom

As the sun began to set, one of the most important moments of the celebrations started; lighting the fire of Newroz. We gathered at a large square; hundreds of people were carrying torches and dancing around a fire. The view was impressive and enchanting; the flames of the fire were dancing in the darkness. People were holding hands and dancing halay in a circle.

I held the hand of one of my friends and danced with them. At that moment, I felt a strange sense of belonging and harmony; as if I had been a part of the Newroz celebrations for years.

Traditional clothes

When we returned home, we started preparing our clothes for Newroz. I wore a traditional Kurdish dress for the first time. When I wore it, I felt like I wore a new identity. It was not only a dress but a symbol of an identity.

March 21: An unforgettable day

On the morning of March 21, the Newroz celebrations officially started. Thousands flocked to the streets to celebrate Newroz. People were singing, dancing halay and laughing. I joined them, dancing halay with them without noticing how fast the time passed.

At the end of the day, I sat at the corner of a street, watching how children were happy, how young people were singing and dancing. It was a day full of emotions; happiness, belongingness and fascination. At that moment, I realized that I was not just a visitor but also a part of Newroz. I will never forget that Newroz celebration.