Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to celebrate the Persian New Year and welcome the first signs of spring with an array of activities. Learn about Nowruz traditions, explore Persian works of art, and view a customary Haft Seen display. Enjoy music, dance, art, and more throughout the day.

Nowruz is an ancient celebration that takes place on the vernal equinox signaling the beginning of spring; it is an annual MFA event. Nowruz means “new day,” and festivals have taken place for centuries throughout  Persia and now around the world.

All events are free with Museum admission.

Music and Dance

Shooka Afshar and Sheez Ensemble
12:30–1 and 2:30–3 pm | Shapiro Family Courtyard

Enjoy a performance by Shooka Afshar and her ensemble as they bring the spirit of Iranian folk tunes to life. For part of the performance Aftab Dance Group joins the ensemble for a dance-music collaboration. Musicians include Shooka Afshar, soprano;  Keyhan Kamelian, piano; Nigel Yancey, flute; and James Heazlewood Dale, bass.

Hamid Saeidi and Badeh Va Taraneh
1–2 and 3:30–4:30 pm | Remis Auditorium

Internationally acclaimed performer, producer, and award-winning composer Hamid Saeidi, along with his ensemble Badeh Va Taraneh, plays a set of traditional and folkloric Iranian songs. Hamid, who holds a degree in music from the Iranian Academy of the Arts, and Badeh Va Taraneh, an eclectic group of musicians and performers, are dedicated to bringing traditional and contemporary Persian poetry and music to broader audiences. Their distinctive approach to live performance encourages a direct experience through music’s transformative power.

Free performance ticket required. Limited availability: first come, first served. Performance tickets available at Remis Auditorium Box Office starting one hour before show times.

Aftab Dance Group
1:30–1:45 and 3:30–3:45 pm | Shapiro Family Courtyard

Experience the beauty of Iran’s diverse cultures through Persian classical and modern dance performed to a medley of traditional Persian songs by the Aftab Dance Group, a collaboration of students from local universities.