Bay Area Iranians celebrate Persian fire festival in a symbolic act of resistance

"It's the biggest event of the year. We have music, food and, of course, jumping over the fire. The tradition, which dates back to ancient times, includes leaping over flames to symbolize renewal and rejuvenation for the year ahead."

"Since the establishment of Iran's Islamic Republic in 1979, the government has discouraged the festival as a pagan relic. For many Iranians living in the Bay Area, Tuesday's celebration was both a cultural gathering and a symbolic show of support for those protesting the regime in Iran."

"We are very proud of them because of how much they're under pressure, and how much their lives are in their hands every second of their lives. And, yet, they're doing it and they're fighting."

Chaharshanbe Suri, an ancient Persian fire festival, drew thousands to Berkeley's streets for celebration featuring music, food, and fire-jumping rituals symbolizing renewal and rejuvenation. The tradition holds particular significance this year as attendees use the gathering to show support for anti-government protesters in Iran. Since Iran's Islamic Republic discouraged the festival as a pagan practice in 1979, Bay Area Iranians view the celebration as both cultural preservation and political expression. Participants emphasized solidarity with those protesting under government pressure, with many feeling compelled to amplify voices of those facing internet blackouts and danger in Iran.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco