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Assyrian New Year

Get ready to ring in the Assyrian New Year with traditional dances, delicious food, and colorful celebrations! It's a time for new beginnings and rich cultural traditions.

Thursday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 1

OBSERVED INSyria

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYRegional

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the Assyrian New Year, also known as Akitu, on April 1! This holiday has been observed for thousands of years and is a time of new beginnings and renewal in the Assyrian culture. The festival lasts for 12 days and includes traditional rituals, feasting, dancing, and other festivities. It's a great opportunity to learn more about this ancient civilization and their rich traditions. So mark your calendars and get ready to ring in the new year with joy and excitement!

TIMELINE

Assyrian New Year Timeline

Origin of Assyrian New Year

Assyrian New Year, also known as Akitu, originates in the city of Ur, where the god of the city, Nanna, was celebrated.

Western Discovery of Assyrian Artifacts

European archaeologists uncover Assyrian monuments and inscriptions, leading to Western interest in Assyrian culture and traditions, including Akitu.

Assyrians in Post-War Diaspora

Following World War II, many Assyrians migrated to Europe and other areas establishing new communities and carrying with them their traditions, including the celebration of Akitu.

Assyrian New Year Recognized in Chicago

The city of Chicago officially recognized the Assyrian New Year, marking an important recognition of Assyrian traditions in the diaspora.

Expansion of Celebrations

Assyrian New Year celebrations extend to major cities around the world like Sydney, Toronto and London, highlighting the global spread of this ancient cultural festival.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Assyrian New Year

Host a traditional feast

Gather friends and family to celebrate Assyrian New Year with a traditional feast. Prepare traditional dishes such as dolma, kubba, and pacha, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Assyrian cuisine together.

ATTEND

Attend a cultural event

Check your local community for Assyrian New Year events, such as concerts, dances, or art exhibits. This is a great way to experience the culture and traditions of Assyrian New Year with others.

LEARN

Learn Assyrian dancing

Take a dance lesson or attend a workshop to learn traditional Assyrian dances. This is a fun and interactive way to celebrate the holiday while also learning more about the culture.

CREATE

Create a traditional craft

Get creative and make a traditional Assyrian craft, such as a hand-woven rug or embroidered piece. This is a great way to connect with your heritage and celebrate the holiday through art.

VISIT

Visit an Assyrian community

If you have an Assyrian community nearby, take a trip to visit and learn more about their customs and traditions during the New Year holiday. This is a great opportunity to connect with others and celebrate together.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Assyrian New Year

It brings people together

Like many holidays, Assyrian New Year is a time for family and friends to come together, share meals, exchange gifts, and create memories. It is also a chance for Assyrian communities to gather and connect with one another, enhancing a sense of unity and pride in their shared culture.

It is a celebration of culture and heritage

Assyrian New Year, also known as Akitu, is a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultural traditions and heritage of the Assyrian people. It is a way to preserve their unique identity and pass down important customs and beliefs to future generations.

It marks the beginning of spring

Assyrian New Year falls on March 21st, which is also the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. This symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and renewal - making it a particularly special time of year for many Assyrians around the world.

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