Media/Press

Persian New Year Festival Returns After 2 Years!

The 9^th Annual Nowruz Festival, or Persian New Year, is back after a two-year hiatus. Cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, the annual Persian New Year festival, a totally free, family-oriented event, is scheduled to return on Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the McLean Hilton in Tysons Corner.

There will be a large main entertainment stage outside the hotel, a second stage inside with a deejay and music, and about 60 vendors selling goods inside the hotel. There will also be a section for children offering art, Persian culture, and expanded kid’s activities.

“We welcome people from other cultures to learn about our culture, purchase Persian food and be part of the celebration. We welcome everybody,” said Shohreh Asemi, founder and organizer.

There will be a variety of vendors selling art, jewelry, Persian rugs, pottery, paintings, and Persian food. Some of the entertainment includes Persian dancers, musicians, and Haji Firouz in costume on the main stage outside.

What’s new this year is the Persian restaurant Moby Dick will be doing the catering. They are well known for chicken, beef and lamb kebabs, rice with herbs, a vegetable soup called Ash e Reshteh, and lots of Persian sides

and desserts. The McLean Hilton will also be offering a cash bar with drinks for adults.

Due to the pandemic, they are following strict CDC rules and guidelines and urge participants to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Free parking lots are available in the back of the McLean Hilton hotel, located at 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean. Visitors can also walk from the McLean Metro Station, which is less than one mile, or a 10-15-minute walk.