Fluorescent Dreams Wax Cylinders - Norooz Mubarak!

16:13 - Norooz Mubarak!

Happy Iranian New Year, only... uhmmm... nine days late!

This year was the first parade for the Iranian New Year in Northern California. They hope to make it an annual festival.

In brief: Four dance troupes, one music group, two different Zoroastrian groups, many different Iranian groups of professionals, three literary societies, seven politicians, and a complete dearth of Shi'a groups.

And, of course, the politicians (including the San Jose mayor) did not have the Iranian flag on their cars.

The true joy of the parade was not found walking along the route, but sitting beside me. Her name was Noori; she seemed to be in her mid-fifties, with a daughter, Leila, in her mid-twenties. Noori was intensely proud of her Iranian heritage. When she learned that I knew the basics about her country's history and about this festival, she immediately adopted me.

She pointed out quick things that I would have missed -- men kissing as greeting, an impromptu folk dance, beautiful dresses (many worn by people who were obviously not Iranian), and that the songs under the driving techno beat were actually old folk songs. She taught me a few phrases in Farsi, and laughed every time that I called them out to the paraders.

Good music, good dancers, and interesting company. I'm glad that I went.

But -- grumble -- absolutely no stands selling Persian food. Not even kebobs.

Take care, all!