President Barzani and PM Masrour Barzani Light Newroz Fire on Erbil Citadel
The Newroz fire lighting on Erbil Citadel was held with President Masoud Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani overseeing the ceremony, recognizing the Peshmerga, families of martyrs, and the broader Kurdish population.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - President Masoud Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani presided over the annual Newroz fire lighting ceremony on the Erbil Citadel on Friday evening, marking both the traditional Kurdish New Year and the conclusion of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr. The event brought together political leaders, members of the Peshmerga forces, and families of martyrs.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani extended greetings for the dual observances to President Barzani, the Peshmerga, and the families of martyrs, stating: “We congratulate our great leader and guide, His Excellency President Barzani, the Peshmerga, the proud families of martyrs, and all the people of Kurdistan on the festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Newroz; happy holidays to you all.”
The Prime Minister emphasized the continuity of Kurdish resilience and national pride, referencing historical opposition to oppression and tyranny.
PM Barzani highlighted the role of the Peshmerga in maintaining regional security, noting that their strength and the steadfastness of the Kurdish people are central to safeguarding Kurdistan from external threats.
“We hope that our people's horizon will be more radiant and brighter under the leadership of President Barzani, and through the strength and arms of the heroic Peshmerga and the resilience of our people,” he said in his address.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged ongoing regional instability, noting the broader context of conflict and upheaval in neighboring areas.
He expressed appreciation for the public’s steadfastness during periods of unrest, stating: “We very, very much thank the resilience of the people of Kurdistan, especially at this time when we see war and turmoil in our region. We are trying with all our capability to protect Kurdistan and keep it away from all war and turmoil.”
He concluded with a message of confidence, affirming that the Kurdistan Region is moving toward stability and a “brighter horizon” with the support of God and local institutions.
The Newroz celebration, observed annually on March 21 but traditionally beginning with an evening ceremony, involves lighting bonfires and symbolic displays of renewal, growth, and national unity.
This year’s ceremony was attended by senior political figures and military representatives, reflecting both cultural tradition and the ongoing recognition of those who have served and sacrificed for the region.
Families of martyrs were formally acknowledged during the speeches, reinforcing the centrality of the Peshmerga and civilian contributors to regional security and national cohesion. The event underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to honoring service members while celebrating communal cultural observances.
President Barzani, present at the Citadel alongside the Prime Minister, participated in the ceremonial lighting of the Newroz fire, a ritual that symbolizes the advent of the new year, the victory of light over darkness, and continuity of Kurdish cultural heritage.
The ceremony was conducted with both public participation and adherence to traditional protocols, emphasizing social unity and regional stability.
The Prime Minister’s remarks reflected continuity in the Kurdistan Regional Government’s messaging, linking cultural celebrations with themes of resilience, security, and collective responsibility. He reiterated the importance of regional vigilance and the safeguarding of Kurdistan from external and internal instability while maintaining public morale through cultural observances.
The event concluded with formal acknowledgments of the Peshmerga and the families of martyrs, reinforcing the role of armed forces and civilian contributions in protecting the region.
Ceremonial activities included the lighting of the central fire on the Citadel, speeches from senior officials, and communal participation that highlighted the significance of Newroz and Eid al-Fitr in Kurdistan.
This article was updated on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 07:02pm.