Overview

• Iran's minority Zoroastrian community celebrated the Sadeh festival, marking the end of the coldest winter days with bonfires and festivities.
• The Sadeh festival is an ancient feast from when Zoroastrianism was the dominant faith in the Persian empire, symbolizing the 50 days and 50 nights remaining until spring.
• In a rare move, the Islamic Republic's air force band played the national anthem, adding to the excitement of the attendees.
• Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic religion that predates Christianity and Islam, sees fire as a symbol of truth and the spirit of God, not as an object of worship.
• In 2023, UNESCO recognized Sadeh in its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from Iran and Tajikistan.