While the fire festival was cancelled in Stockholm and Gothenburg due to security concerns, around 200 people gathered in Beijers park in Malmö to celebrate Chaharshanbeh Soori ahead of the Persian New Year Nouruz.
The fire festival, or Chaharshanbeh Soori, is celebrated on the Tuesday before the Persian New Year Nouruz and is a tradition over 4,000 years old among Iranians and Kurds, among others. Participants light fires and jump over them to purify the soul and welcome light and spring. This year, the event was cancelled in Stockholm and Gothenburg due to Säpo warnings of increased risks to ex-Iranians linked to the war between the USA, Israel, and Iran. Riksteatern cited risks to audiences and performers in the cancellations. In Malmö, the city organized the event in Beijers park despite the situation. Last year, about 1,500 people gathered; this year, police estimated 200 attendees. No political symbols or flags were allowed, and a parallel alternative event was held in another park. Heightened security with police, guards, and medical personnel was present. Participants expressed mixed feelings. Tahmoures Yassami, celebrating since 1987, wished for world peace and better times in Iran: «No war has led to democracy.» Akbar Malekpour stressed the tradition's importance: «It is in the most critical times that we need to preserve traditions the most.» Nikwan Shariatipour wished «luck and of course freedom for our homeland.» Nora Dakic felt safe and thought Malmö was right not to cancel. Andy Roberts, division manager for Malmö city, said the event was about community and hope in uncertain times.
