SAEDNEWS: “Nowruz-e Darya” (New Year of the Sea) festival marks the beginning of a unique maritime calendar that has long regulated the livelihood and lifestyle of the Persian Gulf coastal inhabitants.
Iran’s Qeshm Free Area Organization has kicked off the “Nowruz-e Darya” (New Year of the Sea) festival, a vibrant coastal event highlighting the Persian Gulf island’s rich cultural traditions while promoting sustainable development initiatives.
The announcement came from Azadeh Abedinzadeh, head of the organization’s cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts department, who emphasized the festival’s role in preserving local identity and fostering eco-conscious tourism.
The festival, which began on September 11 and will continue until October 22, features a broader range of activities this year, combining traditional rituals, cultural performances, and environmental awareness programs. According to Abedinzadeh, the event is organized through synergy between local communities, tourism activists, and cultural and media figures, ensuring an inclusive celebration of the island’s heritage.
“From ancient times to the present, the people living on the coasts of the Persian Gulf, especially residents of Qeshm Island, have used a unique maritime calendar that regulated their livelihoods in harmony with nature,” Abedinzadeh explained.
Nowruz-e Darya not only celebrates this shared cultural heritage but also contributes to sustainable regional development without harming the environment or indigenous traditions. This year marks the 20th edition of the festival, recognized as one of Qeshm’s most successful summer events for attracting tourists and boosting the island’s profile in domestic and international audiences.
Having run dynamically every summer since the early 2000s—with a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic—the festival continues to strengthen Qeshm’s cultural brand while connecting tradition with modern sustainable practices.
