Continuing an ancient Persian ritual, people jumped over firelogs for “Chaharshanbeh Souri: Festival of Fire” to shake off the darkness of winter and welcome the brightness of spring on Tuesday.
The Persian New Year Festival means “Eve of Wednesday,” because the festival is always held on the last Tuesday of winter, just before the Vernal Equinox or first moment of spring.
In Iran and parts of Afghanistan and India, it is customary for people to create bonfires in front of their homes throughout the neighborhood and jump over them as the sun is setting. The Persian Center owns it’s own home at 2029 Durant Avenue and hosts this annual event for both Iranian-Americans and all who have an interest in the culture.
Persian music, food, craft vendors, cultural organizations and children’s activities added to the free, family-friendly, non-alcoholic event held outdoors.
People check out and arts and crafts booth during the Persian New Year Festival on Durant Avenue in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
People take in the sights during the Persian New Year Festival on Durant Avenue in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Shahad Asghar and his daughter Tara, 4, of Orinda, leap over fire logs during the Persian New Year Festival on Durant Avenue in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
People sample Persian ice cream during the Persian New Year Festival on Durant Avenue in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
People sample Persian ice cream during the Persian New Year Festival on Durant Avenue in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
People take in the sights during the Persian New Year Festival on Durant Avenue in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Sisters Hazel, 10, and Violet, 5, Mosalli, of San Ramon, decorate eggs during the Persian New Year Festival on Durant Avenue in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
People leap over fire logs during the Persian New Year Festival on Durant Avenue in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Persian French fries are served during the Persian New Year Festival on Durant Avenue in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)