Have a Holiday Idea? Submit and Get It Voted In!
Submit & Vote
.svg)
Get ready to ring in the Assyrian New Year with traditional dances, delicious food, and colorful celebrations! It's a time for new beginnings and rich cultural traditions.
Get ready to celebrate the Assyrian New Year, also known as Akitu, on April 1! This holiday has been observed for thousands of years and is a time of new beginnings and renewal in the Assyrian culture. The festival lasts for 12 days and includes traditional rituals, feasting, dancing, and other festivities. It's a great opportunity to learn more about this ancient civilization and their rich traditions. So mark your calendars and get ready to ring in the new year with joy and excitement!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2400 BC</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of Assyrian New Year</div><div class='timeline-text'>Assyrian New Year, also known as Akitu, originates in the city of Ur, where the god of the city, Nanna, was celebrated.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Western Discovery of Assyrian Artifacts</div><div class='timeline-text'>European archaeologists uncover Assyrian monuments and inscriptions, leading to Western interest in Assyrian culture and traditions, including Akitu.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Assyrians in Post-War Diaspora</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following World War II, many Assyrians migrated to Europe and other areas establishing new communities and carrying with them their traditions, including the celebration of Akitu.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1968</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Assyrian New Year Recognized in Chicago</div><div class='timeline-text'>The city of Chicago officially recognized the Assyrian New Year, marking an important recognition of Assyrian traditions in the diaspora.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion of Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Assyrian New Year celebrations extend to major cities around the world like Sydney, Toronto and London, highlighting the global spread of this ancient cultural festival.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a traditional feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family to celebrate Assyrian New Year with a traditional feast. Prepare traditional dishes such as dolma, kubba, and pacha, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Assyrian cuisine together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community for Assyrian New Year events, such as concerts, dances, or art exhibits. This is a great way to experience the culture and traditions of Assyrian New Year with others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn Assyrian dancing</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a dance lesson or attend a workshop to learn traditional Assyrian dances. This is a fun and interactive way to celebrate the holiday while also learning more about the culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a traditional craft</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make a traditional Assyrian craft, such as a hand-woven rug or embroidered piece. This is a great way to connect with your heritage and celebrate the holiday through art.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit an Assyrian community</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you have an Assyrian community nearby, take a trip to visit and learn more about their customs and traditions during the New Year holiday. This is a great opportunity to connect with others and celebrate together.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It is a celebration of culture and heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Assyrian New Year, also known as Akitu, is a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultural traditions and heritage of the Assyrian people. It is a way to preserve their unique identity and pass down important customs and beliefs to future generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It marks the beginning of spring</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Assyrian New Year falls on March 21st, which is also the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. This symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and renewal - making it a particularly special time of year for many Assyrians around the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Like many holidays, Assyrian New Year is a time for family and friends to come together, share meals, exchange gifts, and create memories. It is also a chance for Assyrian communities to gather and connect with one another, enhancing a sense of unity and pride in their shared culture.</p></div></div>
Assyrian New Year is celebrated on April 1 every year. In 2024 Assyrian New Year will occur on a Monday.
2023
Apr 1
Saturday
2024
Apr 1
Monday
2025
Apr 1
Tuesday
2026
Apr 1
Wednesday
2027
Apr 1
Thursday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
