Kurdish community in Haringey marks Newroz (From Haringey Independent)

Kurdish community in Haringey marks Newroz

3:05pm Friday 12th March 2010 in

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THE dawn of spring will be celebrated later this month by Haringey's Kurdish community who mark it as New Year.

Kurdish spring festival Newroz, or New Sun, is observed annually on March 21 and is a celebration of light over dark, according to the culture.

It also celebrates renewal and freedom from oppression, and during Newroz the community will dress in red, yellow and green — the colours of the Kurdish flag.

And this year, community groups are inviting all residents to join them for a full calendar of lively events and a series of events, talks and exhibitions.

The programme culminates with a Newroz Festival at Tottenham Green Leisure Centre, on Sunday, March 21.

Highlights include live music, singing, guest speakers, traditional Kurdish dance and, of course, food and drinks.

Councillor Kaushika Amin, cabinet member for community cohesion and Involvement, said: "It's really exciting that we will be able to celebrate Newroz in Haringey.

"Members of the Kurdish Advice Centre and the Kurdish Community Centre have worked really hard to arrange Newroz celebrations and I'm sure that they will be a huge success.

"The library activities and the party at Tottenham Green Leisure Centre will offer everyone in the borough the opportunity to take part in the festivities and to find out more about their Kurdish neighbours in Haringey."

Throughout March, Kurdish books are on loan and Hornsey, Wood Green and Marcus Garvey libraries are hosting Newroz-themed story-telling sessions.