Chaharshanbe Suri in Iran: A Blend of Ancient Celebration and Modern Defiance

Chaharshanbe Suri—an ancient festival marking the farewell to the old year and its hardships, and the welcome of joy and celebration in the new year—dates back centuries and is believed to have roots in Zoroastrian traditions. It is observed on the eve of the last Wednesday of the year, when Iranians gather to light bonfires and symbolically pass their “paleness” or sorrows to the flames. The ritual is accompanied by chanting “Zardi-ye man az to, sorkhi-ye to az man” (“My paleness to you, your redness to me”), emphasizing a collective wish for renewed energy and vitality in the coming year.

Beyond its symbolic fire-jumping, the festival is also a vibrant cultural event. In many neighborhoods, young girls and boys take to the streets, dancing and singing, celebrating freely well into the night. They often refuse to follow the mandatory hijab and other strict rules imposed by the authorities, transforming Chaharshanbe Suri into a spontaneous display of joy and defiance. The sight of bonfires illuminating the darkness, accompanied by music and laughter, highlights the festival’s enduring appeal for people of all ages.

Despite its festive atmosphere, incidents during this annual celebration continue to rise. Babak Yaktaparast, spokesperson for the National Emergency Services, reports that injuries have increased by 26% compared to the same period last year (March 1–17). According to him, there has been a 12% rise in burn cases, a 37% increase in eye injuries, and a 10% increase in amputations.

The latest updates from the National Emergency Services indicate that the total number of injured has reached 1,674, with 1,604 transported to medical centers. Another 70 people received treatment at the scene. Fatalities now stand at 8. Among the injured, 100 have suffered amputations, 424 have sustained eye injuries, and 623 have experienced burns. The provinces of West Azerbaijan, Tehran, and Kurdistan report the highest number of casualties.

In light of both the festival’s traditional beauty and its modern-day challenges, Chaharshanbe Suri continues to be a powerful cultural touchstone—representing not only a farewell to the sorrows of the past year, but also a spirited assertion of collective identity and resilience.