Akre gears up for Newroz with expanded safety measures

AKRE — In preparation for Newroz celebrations, authorities in Akre, Duhok Governorate, have mobilized 10 medical teams and emergency vehicles to ensure public safety in the city, widely recognized as the “Newroz capital.”

Nechirvan Fakhraddin, a spokesperson for Akre’s health department, told 964media that extra medical resources have been assigned for Thursday’s festivities. The increased presence comes as Newroz, marking the Kurdish New Year, falls on March 21 in line with the spring equinox.

The celebration is set to begin on the evening of March 20, 2025, when a large crowd is expected to gather for the annual fire-lighting ceremony at 6:45 p.m., followed by an array of fire displays and other festivities.

In addition to bolstering medical support, local authorities have ramped up firefighting capabilities. Ibrahim Fariq, head of Akre’s civil defense, explained to 964media that the city has expanded its fire response teams to 18 crews, equipped with 14 fire trucks—seven large and seven small—ready to respond if needed.

Akre’s Newroz celebrations are known for a tradition dating back to the 1990s, when more than 2,000 torches are carried up a hill to illuminate a giant Kurdistan flag, symbolizing the festive spirit of the new year.