TEHRAN – During the two-week Nowruz Holidays, officially launched on March 20, visitors to Iran’s cultural heritage, museums and historic landmarks rose 28% year-on-year.
A total of 4,440,286 visits to the cited destinations were recorded during the Nowruz 1404 period (officially commenced on March 20), compared to approximately 3,197,000 visits from the same period last year.
April 2, 2025 (13th of Falvaldin 1404) marked one of the busiest days, with 213,573 visits to cultural and historical sites across the country. Among the most visited attractions were 26,392 visitors, 21,294 Persepolis (Takht-E Jamshid), and Sa’dieh, with 18,549 visitors.
The cumulative visitor numbers from March 19 to April 2 show a strong interest in Iran’s cultural and historical heritage. Notable landmarks such as Persepolis, with 470,767 visitors, Hafezier with 464,594 visitors, and Sadiier with 305,405 visitors led the list of most popular destinations. Other highly visited sites included Pasargadae, 172,239 Karim Khan Citadel and 157,927 Kashan’s Fin Garden on 205,950 visits.
The significant increase in visitors reflects the growth of domestic tourism and the growing public’s interest in Iran’s rich cultural heritage, the report said.
However, on April 2nd, all cultural heritage with green spaces, including Sa’dabad Palace, Niavaran Palace, Golestan Palace and the Iran Museum of Iran Museum, were closed to the public, in line with its annual “Nature Day” (Sizdeh Bedar). The decision was intended to protect these historic sites from potential damage during the celebration.
Marking one of the most sacred days of the ancient Zoroastrian calendar, Nowruz is an annual event that celebrates the commonality of Greater Iran at the birth of Spring. Although celebrated in many different countries, celebrations promote peace, prosperity and solidarity within communities by recognizing the importance of pluralistic identities.
Nowruz is a historic ritual observed annually on March 21st in many countries along the Silk Road. This marks the new year and announces the rebirth of spring and nature.
This intercultural celebration means —new – and rouz – day – in Persian. Therefore, Nowruz means a new day and symbolizes a new beginning. People from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds celebrate Nowruz. The resurrection of spring has a very spiritual importance, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and joy of sorrow.
These precious traditions are passed down from generation to generation along the Silk Road. Nowruz not only enjoys ancient cultural customs, but also offers an opportunity to promote peace and solidarity within towns and communities.
Over time, Nowruz developed development and expansion, incorporating new social, religious and cultural influences. Nowruz traditions and customs vary from country to country, but there are many unified features. In most areas, people perform ritual dances such as jumping over fires and streams before the festival. Many households also refill their water supply on the last Wednesday of the year.
Another common ritual and extensive tradition is the preparation of the Nowruz table. The objects on the table represent the purity, brightness, abundance, happiness and fertility of the New Year. On Nowruz day, people visit feasts, family and friends and exchange gifts. These practices are a great way to interact with loved ones and strengthen the deep bond of friendship. Nowruz is also an opportunity for traditional cultural activities that combine common practices with local customs such as poetry, music, outdoor festivals and local street performances.
Recognizing the importance of this ancient ritual, Nowruz was engraved in 2009 on the UNESCO list of human heritage intangible cultural heritage. Furthermore, in 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared International Knowles Day on March 21st.
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