It’s hard for Anahita Farzan not to get teary eyed this time of year, but for good reason.
March marks the beginning of a new chapter for Farzan – hope of what lies ahead in the year. As spring approaches, so does Nowruz – a celebration recognized by many Persian, Kurdish, Baha’i, Ismaili and Afghani people.
Chatter, clapping and cheering filled the Lions Gate Community Centre Sunday, March 9 as people across the North Shore came together for the Nowruz market, enjoying more than 35 vendors selling artisan crafts and goods. Dancers came to the gym performing traditional Iranian dance to a large crowd, where flocks of people joined quickly after.
Farzan is a Realtor for 88West Realty in North Vancouver, one of the vendors who participated in the market. She moved to Canada from Iran in 2008 as a young adult, and was happy to see the market showcasing their celebrations and culture to the community.
“This is really nice to have this sense of community, even far away from our motherland,” Farzan said. “Being acknowledged in a different country that you call a new home … and being able to value those traditions and also teach it to new generations.”
Staff from North Vancouver non-profit Capilano Community Services Society put together the Nowruz market to bring the North Shore community together, but also to educate those who might not know about the holiday.
What is Nowruz?
Nowruz, meaning “new day” in Fārsī , is an annual holiday celebrating Persian New Year and the first day of spring. The 13-day holiday begins on the spring equinox – typically falling between March 19 to 21 – "symbolizing renewal and harmony with nature."
This year, Nowruz lands on March 20. Leading up to the holiday, many will gather seven items that start with the letter “S” in Fārsī for the haft-sīn table.
Farzen says items include samanū, a wheat pudding signifying strength; sabzeh (sprouts or anything green) to show nature; sekeh (coins) for wealth; seeb (apples) for the earth’s shape; and serkeh (vinegar) signifying patience. Other items are senjed, dry lotus tree fruit symbolling love, and sīr (garlic) signifying health.
A few of these items were for sale at the market, along with other things like paintings, beaded and crystal jewellery, 3D-printed toys, handmade candles and services people can check out in the community.
Cloth painting and calligraphy artist Hiva Lofti was one of the vendors part of the market. Lofti’s work was laid across a table with paintings of different colours and canvas, but all bearing the same word.
"Love" was written on some paintings in English and others in Farsi, showing the message of Nowruz, Lofti said. Along with her creative drawings, she also created a book of some parts of Iranian art history.
“I’m very happy coming for the Nowruz market, helping people select gifts,” Lofti said.
Nowruz market bringing people together in times of uncertainty, executive director says
Nick Avery, executive director of Capilano Community Services Society, says this is the first time that the non-profit has hosted a Nowruz market, and the first one back to the North Shore since the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the Nowruz market can help bring people together, especially now during times of uncertainty, Avery said.
“There’s just so much happening in terms of whether it’s immigration, tariffs, or the potential elections upcoming in Canada, it’s a very uncertain time for people,” he said. “It’s just a time where we need people to know that they’re cared about, and events like this just offer that little bit of security – that little bit of celebration and ease of mind for a little while.”
The non-profit also wanted to create the market as a way to help people feel welcomed and thrive in the community.
“I think when we get to know different things about different cultures, especially in the North Shore, it’s so rich,” Avery said. “When we build understanding, connection with each other, it only builds for a stronger community.”
Farzan has seen the Persian community grow since moving to Canada nearly two decades ago and is happy to see both cultures merge together and welcome one another.
As Nowruz approaches, Farzan is looking forward to her favourite part of the holiday – sitting around the table with her family watching the TV counting down to ring in the New Year.
“That is the beginning of a new chapter,” she said. “This brings us hope every year, and this is something that I personally really like.”
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
https://bsky.app/profile/abbyluciano.bsky.social
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