Newroz Hamburg – Kurdish New Year and Spring Festival

A Celebration with 3000 Years of History

Newroz (Kurdish for "New Day") marks the Kurdish New Year and the beginning of spring. The tradition dates back over 3000 years and is celebrated in Kurdistan, Persia, Mesopotamia, and in the Kurdish diaspora. The central symbol is the fire, which is jumped over to leave the old behind, representing light, warmth, and new beginnings.

Hamburg as a Hub of the Kurdish Diaspora

With an estimated Kurdish community of several tens of thousands, Hamburg is one of the most important Newroz cities in Germany. The celebrations are organised by Newroz Hamburg e.V. in cooperation with district associations, political groups (especially DIE LINKE Hamburg), MARKK (Museum am Rothenbaum), and other cultural centres. Year after year, several events take place around March 20 and 21 – from receptions and concerts to large open-air celebrations with fire and folk dance.

Political and Cultural Occasion

In Hamburg, Newroz traditionally has a dual function: cultural self-affirmation for the Kurdish community and a political manifestation against the oppression of Kurds in the Middle East. The spring reception in Hamburg City Hall, organised by the Left Party faction, brings together politicians, civil society, and diaspora representatives. Concerts by artists such as Vedat Demirbaş or traditional Halay dances around the fire characterise the folk festival atmosphere.

Symbolism and Core Programme

The central custom is the lighting of a large fire, which attendees symbolically jump over. This is accompanied by Halay dances in long human chains, traditional music with Daf (frame drum) and Saz (long-necked lute), Kurdish songs about homeland and hope, and speeches about the current situation in Kurdistan. In Hamburg, Kurdish food is often served, and information stands of Kurdish associations are set up.

In the Hamburg-Mitte District

Most events take place in the Hamburg-Mitte district – whether at Rathausmarkt, in the Linkstreff at Großer Burstah, at MARKK in Rotherbaum, or in community centres in the northern city centre. The exact location varies annually; the common platform is the website of Newroz Hamburg e.V. and the announcements of the cooperation partners.