persian arts festival "a real success" by sr
The Persian Arts Festival, which took place on Sunday March 19th, in New York City, right after the Persian Day Parade was a real success. With hundreds and hundreds of attendees, the four-floor phenomenon was packed at all times with young, old, the curious and the fanciful. The organizers presented a non-stop array of Art, Film, Stand-up Comedy, Persian food and much more. Every where you looked, there was more.
There was Afschineh Latifi, doing a book reading from her successfully novel "Even After All This Time", alongside Richard Jeffrey Newman, doing poetry readings from his Saadi's Gulistan. There was also a place for kids to play "Shahreh Bazee", a lounge with fantastic DJ's and a beautiful Haft Seen prepared by Sara Rahbar.
Below are some pictures from the day's events:
Here are some quotes collected during the Festival from the audience:
"The best Iranian New Year event in New York in 30 years, and for that matter, the best Iranian New Year event in the history of New York City...You created a true celebration of Iran's vital culture TODAY, in Iran and in America: the films you showed linked us to youth in Iran and their ideas and desires, the art you showed introduced us to emerging young artists with something to say, the comedians you featured were all young and vibrant and made fun of what was immediately recognizable and felt by your audience – growing up as Iranian in America – and the hugely talented progressive rock band, 127 performed an inspired and inspiring music of their own, pulling together the conditions of life in Iran today and the latest global trends in rock and jazz."
Behnam Nateghi, VOA Persian Service correspondent, New York
"This art speaks to our soul. Thank you so much for the inspiration. Peace and more peace." "I thought the event was truly wonderful--we had a WONDERFUL time. And you guys did an amazing job."
Soraya- Poet
"Congratulations on such a massive success."
Meryl - Makor's Publicist
"Thank you for including me in such a wonderful festival! It was a great experience, and I'm glad that there was such a large turnout!"
Ariana (artist)
"Congrats on running a successful festival! When I was a kid, there was no such thing as taking pride in our Persian heritage -- whether it was through the arts, music, literature...and it's great to see that times are changing!" Tissa - Comedian
And last but not least from the Mayor himself:
Office of the Mayor
City of New York
Proclamation
WHEREAS: NEW YORK CITY IS PROUD TO JOIN THE PERSIAN COMMUNITY IN CELEBRATING NOWRUZ , OR “NEW DAY,” A NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION THAT COINCIDES EXACTLY WITH THE SPRING EQUINOX. THE HOLIDAY, WHICH IS ROOTED IN ZORASTRIAN COSMOLOGY, HAS BEEN CELEBRATED IN SOME FORM FOR THE LAST 3,000 YEARS. ALTHROUGH SOME OF THE TRADITIONAS HAVE CHANGED, NOWRUZ IS STILL A TIME FOR FAMLY AND FRIENDS TO GATHER TOGETHER AND RECOGNIZE LIFE'S BOUTNY THROUGH FOOD, GIFTS, AND CONVERSATION.
WHEREAS: TODAY, THE PERSIAN COMMUNITY OF NEW YORK CITY CELEBRATES NOWRUZ WITH THE 3RD ANNUAL PERSIAN DAY PARADE. THE PARADE WILLA ATTRACT THOUSANDS OF PERSIANN AMERICANS FROM THE GREATER NEW YORK AREA, AND WILL FEATURE FLOATS, MARCHING BANDS, DANCE GROUPS, DJS, AND THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES. IN ADDITION, THE 1ST ANNUAL PERSIAN ARTS FESTIVAL WILL SHOWCASE UPCOMING AND ESTABLISHED PERSIAN ARTISTS IN A VARIETY OF MEDIUMS INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHY, INK AND OIL PAINTINGS, MIXED MEDIA, MUSIC AND FILM.
WHERAS: NOWRUZ IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL NEW YORKERS TO REAFFIRM LIFE'S PROMISE AND RECOGNIZE IRAN'S RICH CULTURAL TRADITION. WE ARE PROUD TO BE HOME TO SUCE A THRIVING PERSIAN COMMUNITY, AND WISH EVERYONE AN ENJOYABLE DAY AS WE BID FAREWELL TO THE PAST, AND LOOK AHEAD TO A BRIGHT FUTURE.
NOW THEREFORE, I, MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, IN RECOGNITION OF THIS JOYOUS HOLIDAY, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2006 IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AS “PERSIAN NOWRUZ DAY”
To learn more about the Persian Arts Festival, visit their website at www.persianartsfestival.org.
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