Isfahan

Festivals and Annual Events

This is an ancient ritual that has its roots in Zoroastrian tradition. A mid-winter get together and banquet is arranged in homes as well as official guesthouses to cherish the gift of Fire. Great bonfires are lit up at open grounds or public squares, and a large number of Zoroastrians as well as people from other religions gather around to witness the roaring and leaping flames.

Showing 1–7 of 7 festivals

City guide section

Festivals and events in Isfahan

Showing 1–7 of 7 festivals

Plan around 7 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.

Jashne Sade

This is an ancient ritual that has its roots in Zoroastrian tradition. A mid-winter get together and banquet is arranged in homes as well as official guesthouses to cherish the gift of Fire.

Chaharshanbe Suri

This is the last day in the Persian calendar, celebrated somewhere around mid-March, just before the festival of Nowruz.

Nowruz

Nowruz marks the first day of spring, and the first day of the Persian calendar. It is celebrated in accordance with ancient Zoroastrian theology.

Sizdah Bezar

This day marks the end of the Nowruz festival, and is celebrated to evade the bad luck that a 13th day brings.

Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is marked with respect and adherence to the fundamental beliefs of Islam, and there is a general air of non-indulgence and goodwill around the city.

Eid ul Fitr

The end of Ramadan marks festivity for the fasting Muslims. 3 days of celebration follow just as Ramadan ends – Eid.

Ashura

This festival is solemnly observed during the first ten days of Muharram. It is in grim remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain along with his family at Karbala.