- 11 people murdered and over 3,500 were injured during celebrations for Iran’s annual fire festival.
- The fire festival, known in Farsi as Chaharshanbe Suri is held every year.
- “Since February 20, 26 individuals have died in accidents linked to Chaharchanbe Suri.”
According to official media, eleven people were murdered and over 3,500 were injured during celebrations for Iran‘s annual fire festival ahead of the Persian New Year on Wednesday.
The fire festival, known in Farsi as Chaharshanbe Suri, is held every year on the night of the final Tuesday of the Iranian calendar year, which concludes on March 20.
“Since February 20, 26 individuals have died in accidents linked to Chaharchanbe Suri,” according to emergency services head Jafar Miadfar, including at least 11 on the day of the event, with over 3,550 injured.
During the celebration, people leap over bonfires to purify themselves and fend off evil spirits while shouting “I offer you my yellow colour” (a illness indication) and “I take your red colour” (symbol of life).
The celebration is part of Iran’s pre-Islamic tradition and is typically frowned upon by Shia clerics.
Nonetheless, it is popular among young people, many of whom create their own pyrotechnics for the occasion, a habit that can end in damage or even death.
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