Kurdish New Year Marked in the Heart of the French Capital
This year’s celebration aims to highlight Kurdish cultural heritage and further strengthen ties between the Kurdistan Region and France.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdish New Year, Newroz, will be celebrated in the French capital, Paris, on Thursday, in an event organized by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representation in France. The celebration will take place at the historic Paris City Hall (Hôtel de Ville).
The event will be attended by Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris; Thomas Portes, Head of the Kurdish Studies Group in the French Parliament; Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw; and several French officials, alongside members of the Kurdish diaspora in France.
This year’s celebration aims to highlight Kurdish cultural heritage and further strengthen ties between the Kurdistan Region and France, reflecting Paris’s continued support for the Kurdish cause.
Strengthening Erbil-Paris Relations
In preparation for the event, Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw met with Ali Dolmari, Head of the KRG Representation in France, on Feb. 12, 2025. According to an official statement from Erbil’s administration, the two officials discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations within the framework of an existing memorandum of understanding between Erbil and Paris.
The statement noted that discussions also covered recent developments and achievements in the Kurdistan Region’s capital. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and fostering stronger ties between Kurdistan and France.
Cultural Diplomacy and Strategic Engagement
A key topic of the meeting was the organization of this year’s Newroz celebrations, which are being held not only as a cultural festivity but also as a strategic effort to strengthen diplomatic and public support for Kurdistan in France.
The Paris Municipality, which has collaborated with the KRG Representation in planning the event, has completed all necessary preparations to host the celebration. The event is expected to feature traditional Kurdish music, dance, and cultural performances, bringing together dignitaries and members of the Kurdish and French communities in a display of cultural solidarity.
