Newroz, the Kurdish New Year and a symbol of Kurdish resistance, will be celebrated in over 100 locations across Europe this year. Zübeyde Zümrüt, co-chair of the European Kurdish Democratic Society Congress (KCDK-E), said that the key message for this year’s celebrations is “Our leader’s physical freedom is our freedom,” referring to Abdullah Öcalan, held in a Turkish prison for over quarter of a century.
Speaking about the preparations, Zümrüt said the celebrations are to be aligned with Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and Democratic Society.” She explained that widespread public meetings have been held in preparation for the celebrations, embracing direct engagement with different communities. “Öcalan’s photo alone has been a source of morale and motivation for the people,” she noted.
A key feature of the celebrations will be torchlit marches led by Kurdish youth in over 100 locations on the night of 20 March. The main festivities will span from 20 to 30 March, with both central and local events planned. Major cities hosting central celebrations include Germany (29 March), France (starting 22 March), Marseille (23 March), Switzerland (22 March) and Vienna (30 March).
Zümrüt stressed the historic significance of this year’s Newroz, linking it to the ongoing struggle for Öcalan’s freedom and the wider Kurdish movement. She noted that while Öcalan remains in isolation without access to his lawyers and family, the call for his release will be amplified from the Newroz spaces. “The spirit of 8 March [International Women’s Day] will carry over into Newroz,” she added, urging everyone to play their role in the historical celebrations.
