Chaharshanbe Suri Celebrations in Iran Turn Deadly, Spark Protests
Iran’s annual fire festival, Chaharshanbe Suri, which precedes Nowruz, the Persian New Year, saw both joyous celebrations and violent clashes on Tuesday night. The ancient festival, rooted in Zoroastrian traditions, involves jumping over bonfires to symbolize renewal and ward off misfortune. However, this year’s event resulted in at least 15 deaths and over 1,700 injuries, with authorities warning of rising casualties due to fireworks-related accidents. Tehran’s air pollution spiked to hazardous levels, further adding to public health concerns.
While many participated in traditional rituals, the festival also became a platform for anti-government protests in cities including Tehran, Mashhad, and Isfahan. Demonstrators set fire to images of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and clashed with security forces, chanting slogans against the government. Reports indicated police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, but protests continued in both urban and rural areas.
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Government officials had issued warnings against political gatherings, yet the festival’s widespread participation reflected ongoing public discontent. Opposition activists called this year’s event “The National Uprising of Flames,” signaling increasing resistance to Iran’s clerical leadership.
With economic struggles, soaring inflation, and government repression fueling unrest, analysts warn that Iran could be on the verge of a larger movement demanding political change.
