The town of Akre in Duhok province, considered the capital of Newroz, lit up on Monday evening as fireworks filled its skies with over a hundred thousand people in the area to celebrate the Kurdish New Year. Despite the cold and windy weather, 2,723 torches were lit in Akre for the occasion as youth made their way up to the mountain with enthusiasm and pride to celebrate 2,723 years of Newroz. Alongside the fireworks, a huge Kurdistan flag draped from atop the heights of Akre. Kurds from all over the Kurdistan Region traditionally gather in the town of Akre to commence the ages-long tradition of lighting fires to welcome the New Year on the first day of spring. According to the Akre tourism directorate, more than 107,000 people flocked to the town to witness the special Newroz festival celebrations.
