Thursday, March 20, 2025, marks the Persian New Year, or Nowruz, a holiday that's been celebrated for several millenniums, according to the University of Massachusettes. Nowruz, which means “new day” in Persian, is a 3,000-year-old spring festival that is celebrated by millions around the world, according to media outlet Time.

Persian New Year is celebrated in many countries across the world. Here’s everything you need to know, including what to cook and where to celebrate.

During the Achaemenid era, the festival was celebrated with great splendor at Persepolis, where kings welcomed envoys and received gifts from across their vast empire. In fact, historical evidence suggests that one of Persepolis’ primary functions was to host Nowruz celebrations.