Newroz: The Most Epic Kurdish Event in Iraq (Travel Guide)

Welcome to the most important event of Iraqi Kurdistan, Newroz!

Newroz is a special celebration for the Kurdish people. It happens in springtime and marks the start of the Kurdish New Year.

It’s a time when Kurds come together to celebrate their culture and history. Newroz has been celebrated for a long time and has a lot of meaning for Kurdish people.

I have lived in Erbil for two years, so of course I had to attend this special event. In this blog post, I will share all the ins and outs of traveling to Akre during Newroz, the most prominent Kurdish celebration.

What is the Newroz Celebration in Kurdistan?

Newroz is considered the most important celebration of the year in Kurdistan because it holds a symbolic meaning for the Kurdish community. It carries historical significance, emphasizing the resilience of the Kurdish people during tough times striving for freedom.

Kurds are very proud of their culture, and this event is the perfect event to show it!

“Newroz Piroz Be”! is a traditional Kurdish phrase similar to “Happy New Year!” It is common among the Kurds during the Newroz festivities. If someone says it to you, you can say “Zor Supas!” which means thank you very much!

Newroz is also known as Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, or Nauryz, which translates to “new day” across different countries. Newroz is the Kurdish name.

The newroz celebration in Kurdistan is believed to have originated as a festival of the sun and the arrival of spring, symbolizing hope and renewal. Over time, it has evolved into a cultural celebration that transcends borders and unites Kurds worldwide.

Let’s dive into this unique event!

What to expect during Newroz in Kurdistan?

Expect busy alleys and streets, but! with a fantastic friendly vibe. People are selling stuff on the streets, food, music, social events, and high-placed government people in traditional outfits giving speeches.

Alongside that, you can expect the following:

Newroz Bonfires

The Kurds celebrate new year in Iraq with lots of bonfires. It’s one of the first things you will notice is the many bonfires and campfires around the town and the mountains.

Massive fires ignited during sunset on the hills are the start of Newroz’s actual celebrations.

Torches on the mountains

Perhaps the most famous thing about Newroz in Iraqi Kurdistan is the many people walking on the mountains with gigantic torches.

They form long lines that create a long, sweeping line of people holding burning torches. It is a truly unique sight!

Unfortunately, when I was visiting Newroz, it started to rain when they lit up the torches. Because of the rain, so I wasn’t able to take close-up photos!

Newroz Kebab

You’ll find many food stands in Akre selling Newroz Kebab. What’s fascinating is that almost everyone has dinner at the same time, right before the real celebrations take place.

Newroz Kebab is a delicious dish that’s often enjoyed during Newroz celebrations. The meat is seasoned with special Kurdish spices, giving it a great flavor. It’s a popular dish, especially during Newroz.

Gigantic Kurdish flags

During the daytime celebrations of Newroz in Akre, huge Kurdish flags are flown from the mountain peaks. Akre is nestled among mountains, and each peak proudly displays a Kurdish flag. It must have been quite a job to get them all up there!

It’s a fantastic sight to see these flags waving in the breeze, showing Kurdish pride.

Barzani family

The president of the KDP, the government of the region Erbil in Kurdistan, will be there. Familie members will be present to give speeches on the streets of Akre, which will be fascinating to see! They wear the iconic red and white colored scarf.

Newroz Fireworks

Of course, fireworks are part of the celebration. When the sun is down and the real celebration starts the fireworks will be ignited. Usually between 7 and 8 pm.

Camping and Picnicking

You’ll see many Kurds setting up a small camp to picnic or have some hookah/shisha (those tall smoking things!).

Newroz Music

Of course, there is music! If you need to get more familiar with Kurdish music, get ready! Most Kurdish songs are fast paced, upbeat with many traditional instruments. You’ll feel the need to dance right away.

Kurdish Newroz songs

Looking to get in the Newroz mood? These are some of the famous Kurdish songs that you will probably hear during the event.

Kawa – Newroz This iconic Kurdish song is often sung during Newroz celebrations. It celebrates the spirit of freedom and unity among the Kurdish people.
Hunermendên NÇM – Agirê Newrozê
Sorjiyan – Newroz
Koroya Navenda Çanda Beharê – Newroz
Xalîde – Îro Newroz E

The beautiful landscape of Akre

Many places in Iraqi Kurdistan, like the many mountains and canyons, are truly magnificent.

As is the area of Akre. It is seriously stunning. The landscape is just beautiful. You’ve got these rolling hills (also along the road from Erbil to the town) that seem to go on forever, and the colors during the months of March, April, and May are super lush and vibrant.

There are also beautiful sunsets that make the mountain peaks turn red.

The whole place just has this peaceful vibe that makes you feel relaxed and happy.

In the mountains, you’ll see small cabins, huts, and campsites that make it look like you’re in a Hobbit village.

If you ever get the chance to visit, trust me, you won’t regret it.

The people of Akre

Especially during Newroz, they welcome foreign travelers and anyone who would like to take photos of the town and the Kurdish culture.

People will greet you friendly; they might ask you where you are from or offer you something to drink or eat.

Kurds celebrate Newroz not only for themselves but also to show others what their culture is about.

Photography during Newroz

Newroz in Akre is the perfect occasion for some great travel photography. Kurdish people are proud of their culture so taking photos of folks in traditional outfits is totally fine.

Please keep in mind that it might be different for taking photos of women in traditional clothing. Always ask before shooting some photos. Men in traditional outfits is totally fine and they will be happy if you want to take their photo.

You’ll also notice that many Kurds are taking pictures with professional cameras!

Make sure to bring a lens capable of some night shots, as most of the celebrations will take place after sunset. I use the Sony FE 2.8/24 G.

Btw, you won’t have to worry about safety. Crime is really low in Kurdistan. Your car and camera equipment will be safe. No one might attempt to take anything from you.

Here are 3 great spots I discovered to take photos from:

Photo spot 1

Photo spot 2

Photo spot 3

So, grab your camera, take your backpack, and get ready to capture the beauty and energy of Newroz in Kurdistan like a boss.

Even tho the weather was quite bad I was still able to take this nice moon shot during the night of Newroz!

Shot this one on my Tamron 50-400. Camera settings: ISO 320, 400 mm, f/6,3, 1/250 sec.

Probably could have used a slower shutter speed and lowered my ISO even more, oh well!

Read the full review on my Sony a7C

What to pack for Newroz?

Although you might think you’re in Iraq and it will probably be hot, it can get quite cold!

For several years in a row, the weather during Newroz was quite bad, with rain, wind, and thunderstorms. Sometimes, there were even major floods sweeping entire houses away in several villages.

So make sure to bring a raincoat, warm jacket, or an umbrella, although an umbrella isn’t really convenient in the busy alleys in Akre.

Also, make sure to bring cash (as anywhere in Kurdistan).

Here is a list of items I found useful to bring:

Passport (there are several checks on the highway to Akre)
Cash in the local currency (Iraqi Dinar) or American Dollars.
Warm clothes and a raincoat
Sun Protection: In case of good weather bring some sun protection. The air is clean so you”ll get burned more easily than in the city.
Umbrella
Water (always have some in the car)
Snacks and Energy Bars: Pack nutritious snacks such as trail mix, energy bars, and fresh fruit to keep you fueled during long days of celebration. Avoid packing perishable items that may spoil quickly in warm temperatures.
Sturdy (hiking) shoes (many alleys are pretty steep in Akre)
Phone charger in the car (always make sure you can reach someone)
SIM card with enough MB. (internet reception is quite good in the town)
And, of course, your camera equipment to capture this unique event.

By packing these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy Newroz in Akre while staying comfortable, hydrated, and ready to capture all the unforgettable moments of the most important festival in Kurdish culture.

Practical info: How do you get to Newroz?

Newroz is celebrated in many cities and towns in Iraqi Kurdistan, but the most iconic celebration of Newroz takes place in Akre, which is not far from Erbil.

The best way to get there is by car and I would recommend to rent a car or to drive with someone you know. Read my post on renting a car in Erbil.

You’ll likely depart from Erbil. The road to Akre is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Recently, the government built a new highway, making the road to Akre smooth.

Be prepared to show your passport once or twice along the way and on the way back. There are several security checks on the road. You might feel intimidated by the security, but I can assure you they are friendly, especially when they realize you are a foreigner.

Two times I was asked to show my passport, and when I wanted to grab it, he asked where I was from; I said Holland! He said, ok, welcome! And he let me through.

Things like this make you realize that, while everything looks neat and friendly, you are still in Iraq, and there are political instabilities. In my experience, the people at the security checks have always been friendly.

Waze works excellently and will show you the best route from Erbil to Akre.

The road of the first 10 km from Erbil is quite bad. There are lots of holes in the road and people walking around, so a lot is happening. Keep your eyes on the road at all times! After that first 10 km, the road is smooth, and you’ll arrive at a high-quality highway all the way to Akre.

After an hour or so, you will see the beautiful mountains.

First, you’ll arrive at the newer part of Akre; just drive straight until you see a sign that says Akre (Old City). Follow the road, and you’ll arrive in the town.

Although Akre is a little small, it is still relatively easy to get lost. There are so many small alleys it is hard to know exactly where you are in the area. Make sure to screenshot where you parked!

When does Newroz take place in Kurdistan? On or around March 21, keep an eye out online for the exact date.

Parking

When you arrive in Akre, there will be parking signs for Newroz. Some places it is not allowed to park. There will be friendly security to let you know if you can park there or not.

You can park on the right side of the road. If there are other cars parked, you can also park there. There are 2 places where I parked that are convenient. Here are the coordinates on Google maps:

Parking 1

Parking 2

Organized tour to Newroz

If you are looking for an organized tour to celebrate Newroz in Akre I can recommend Kurdistan Outdoor.

Besides a tour to Akre they offer many different tours. They are one of the oldest touring companies in Iraqi Kurdistan. I have heard good things about them!

final thoughts on visiting Newroz in Kurdistan

Visiting Newroz in Kurdistan truly is a once in a lifetime experience. First of all, the location is amazing. The town is surrounded by mountain peaks, a river running through the town combined with the local/middle eastern structures makes it a fascinating place.

The energy, the vibrancy, and the sense of unity with the local Kurds that you feel as you join in the celebrations are remarkable.

And the sight of all the torches on the mountains is a beautiful thing to see.

So, if you are in Iraqi Kurdistan, I highly recommend celebrating Newroz in Akre. You will enjoy it even if you are just by yourself (like I was). Embrace the experience and immerse yourself in the culture!