Skip to Main Content

Loyola University Chicago Libraries

LUC Reading/Resource Lists

Persian Heritage Month

In March, Persian Heritage Month is celebrated and coincides with Nowruz, one of the most significant celebrations within Persian culture. Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year, marks the beginning of spring. Nowruz translates to “New Day” and includes traditions like setting up the Haft-Seen table with seven symbolic items starting with the letter “S”, visiting family and friends to exchange well-wishes and gifts, enjoying traditional meals, and partaking in community festivities. Nowruz is a time of celebration for many Persian communities worldwide. 

*Approximately 6,000–10,000 Iranian Americans reside in the city of Chicago, while up to 30,000 reside in the Chicago metropolitan area. Some of this population is Iranian Assyrian. (Source: Encyclopedia of Chicago) As per the United States Census Bureau 2020, the Iranian American population is 476,242. The Estimated population of Iranian Americans in the United States as of 2024 is 0.5 million. (Source: Census.gov)*