Huge Nowruz celebrations sweep Iran despite mass security presence

Iranians across the country defied government warnings and took to the streets en masse on Tuesday night in celebration of the ancient festival of Charshanbe Suri in spite of a huge security presence.

Celebrations of the ancient festival were marred by clashes with security forces who came to blows with revellers and reports that 19 had died and 5,000 were left injured.

There are no details on whether any of the injuries were caused by security forces who used tear gas and force to disperse crowds in some areas and most incidents occurring in the provinces of Tehran, West Azarbaijan, and East Azarbaijan.

Videos circulating on social media showed large crowds gathering in cities like Tehran, Karaj and Rasht, with bonfires illuminating the night sky and the sounds of music and cheering filling the air.

The festival, marked by jumping over bonfires and setting off fireworks, is a deeply rooted cultural tradition, but it has increasingly become a flashpoint for defiance against the Islamic Republic's restrictions.

The celebrations went ahead with full force in spite of the government warnings against celebrations, young people seeing it as an expression of their cultural identity and a way to challenge authority.

Iranian authorities, including the country’s deputy police commander, have issued warnings of a decisive response to any violations during Nowruz celebrations, as security forces deploy in Kurdish regions to disrupt festivities. The warnings coincide with the IRGC banning official celebrations in Ilam province.

The confluence of Nowruz and Ramadan has heightened tensions, with authorities emphasizing religious adherence.

In the wake of the 2022 uprising, the festival has been turned into an ever growing display of defiance, and in some cases, open protests against the government.

On Tuesday, protests broke out in cities such as Tehran, Karaj, Mashhad and Isfahan, with young Iranians setting fire to images of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The authorities' attempts to discourage the celebrations have also drawn criticism.

"The efforts made to forget the Charshanbe Suri celebration have made the city unsafe for people," said Jalal Maleki, spokesman for the Tehran Fire Department, calling for designated spaces to ensure public safety.