Nowruz, which means “New Day” in Persian, is the Persian New Year. It begins at the Northern Hemisphere’s vernal or spring equinox, and signals the start of spring. Nowruz is celebrated at different times of the year because it coincides to when earth completes the full rotation. In 2025, it lands on March 20 at 2:01 a.m. PT.

It is celebrated in Iran, Central Asia, Middle East, and beyond — including here in Metro Vancouver!

Nowruz includes festive gatherings, traditional foods, and rituals, including setting the Haft-Seen table. It’s a ceremonial table where seven items that symbolize hope, renewal, and prosperity, all starting with the letter ‘S’ in Persian, are arranged on the table.

While Nowruz takes place on March 20, celebrations begin early. This includes a pre-Nowruz festival, called Chaharshanbeh Suri, meaning “Scarlet Wednesday,” which is held on the eve of the last Wednesday before the Persian New Year.

This year, it lands on March 18, and you’re invited to join the biggest Chaharshanbeh Suri event in Metro Vancouver at Coquitlam Town Centre Park, near Douglas–Lafarge Lake Station!

As well, experience Iranian culture at the Nowruz Bazaar taking place on March 15 and 16.

Here are the details to Nowruz events that you can take transit to!

Nowruz Bazaar, March 15 and 16

The Nowruz Bazaar in Port Coquitlam is one of the largest seasonal markets for Iranians in Canada, featuring local businesses, producers, and vendors. Attendees also enjoy live music, theatre performances, and giveaways.

• 📍 Port Coquitlam Community Centre
• 📅 March 15 and 16, from 10 a.m. – 7:00 p.m..
• 🚍 Free shuttle service: We’re providing a free hourly shuttle service from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to and from Coquitlam Central Station to the Port Coquitlam Community Centre.
  • The shuttle travels between Coquitlam Central Station – Bay 13 and Port Coquitlam Station – Bay 6 (near Port Coquitlam Community Centre)
  • Departures from Coquitlam Central Station: every hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Departures from Port Coquitlam Station: every half-hour from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Final departures from Port Coquitlam Station: 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
• Parking at the community centre is limited so if you wish to drive, park at our Park and Ride lot at Coquitlam Central Station and connect to the free shuttle. Day parking rate is as low as $3.
• 🚍 Regular routes: Customers can also ride the 160 Port Coquitlam Station/Kootenay Loop, 174 Rocklin/Coquitlam Central Station, 173 Cedar/Coquitlam Central Station, and 159 Braid Station/Coquitlam Central Station. Use our Trip Planner to find your best route. Regular fares apply.

Chaharshanbeh Suri Festival on March 18

Expected to attract 30,000 attendees, this Chaharshanbeh Suri festival at Coquitlam Town Centre Park is the biggest one in Lower Mainland. If you’ve never been to this (literally) fire festival before, here’s your chance!

Chaharshanbeh Suri is known for its fire-jumping rituals where people leap over small bonfires while reciting a traditional phrase — asking for strength and energy for the coming year. The ritual symbolizes purification and renewal.

The event is also paired with music, dancing, and community gatherings to welcome Nowruz — the new year — with joy and positivity.

• 📍 Coquitlam Town Centre Park Plaza
• 📅 March 18 from 4 – 9 p.m.
• 🚆 Millennium Line to Lafarge Lake–Douglas Station. The plaza is about a 10-minute walk from the station.

Whether you’re Persian or not, these Nowruz celebrations are an opportunity to embrace our region’s cultural diversity. The TransLink team will be at both events, so pop over to our booths. See you there!

What did you think of this story?