“This year we did nothing,” lamented Leila, a resident of West Vancouver, as she reflected on the traditional celebrations of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Nowruz, which has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years, usually falls on March 20 or 21, marking the first day of spring and the beginning of the Persian calendar year.

The holiday is characterized by nearly two weeks of family visits, meals, and gatherings, but this year, many Iranians are feeling a lack of mood and resources to celebrate due to ongoing economic hardships and political turmoil. Kamran, another community member, shared, “Planting Sabzeh is something we Iranians do every year, but this year with all the news about war we completely forgot about it.” Sabzeh, which symbolizes renewal and rebirth, is a key element placed on the Haft-Seen table during the festivities.

The Haft-Seen table itself is a significant aspect of Nowruz, featuring seven symbolic items whose names begin with the Persian letter ‘S.’ This year, however, the spirit of celebration has been dampened. “This year is kind of special for us,” remarked Soheil Vosta, highlighting the unique challenges faced by the community.

Despite the difficulties, the Nowruz Fire Festival, which symbolizes good health and luck for the coming year, remains a beacon of hope. Soheil Vosta also noted, “After darkness, light always comes,” emphasizing the resilience of the Iranian spirit even in tough times.

As families across Iran and in places like Regina and West Vancouver prepare for the holiday, the deep spring cleaning tradition known as Khaneh Tekaani, or ‘shaking the house,’ continues to be observed, albeit with less enthusiasm this year. The essence of Nowruz, rooted in ancient Persian customs centered on renewal and light, is still present, even if overshadowed by current events.

Nowruz is not just a celebration; it is a reflection of cultural identity and heritage. The traditions surrounding it, such as the preparation of the Haft-Seen table and the planting of Sabzeh, are deeply embedded in the lives of those who celebrate. However, the ongoing challenges have made this year’s observance particularly poignant.

As the date approaches, communities are looking for ways to honor their traditions while navigating the complexities of their current realities. The hope is that the spirit of Nowruz will prevail, bringing with it a sense of renewal and optimism for the future.

Сообщение Nowruz: How is Being Celebrated Amidst Challenges? появились сначала на YourTownNews.

Prime Video has renewed the thriller series Cross for an eight-episode third season, a decision driven by the show’s impressive performance and popularity among viewers. The series, which stars Aldis Hodge as detective Alex Cross, has captivated audiences since its launch in November 2024, drawing 40 million viewers globally within the first 20 days of its inaugural season.

Cross ranked as the third most-watched premiere on Prime Video in 2025 and achieved the remarkable feat of reaching #1 in over 100 countries. The show’s success is further underscored by its recognition at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, where it won the Outstanding Drama Series award, and Aldis Hodge‘s accolade for Best Performance in a Drama Series at the NAMIC Vision Awards.

Peter Friedlander, a key figure in the series’ production, expressed enthusiasm about the renewal, stating, “From the beginning, ‘Cross’ has captivated audiences with its layered characters, pulse-pounding suspense, and emotionally grounded storytelling.” He added, “We’re thrilled to continue this journey with Ben, our collaborators at Paramount Television Studios, and the rest of the incredible cast to bring even more of James Patterson’s iconic world to our global Prime Video audience.”

Based on characters created by James Patterson, the series has established a strong following and critical acclaim. Season Two featured a talented ensemble cast, including Matthew Lillard, Jeanine Mason, and Wes Chatham.

In addition to the renewal of Cross, Prime Video has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with Leonine Studios in Germany and Austria. This deal grants exclusive SVoD rights for Leonine’s upcoming theatrical slate starting January 1, 2026, which includes the film The Housemaid, a title that has already garnered over two million admissions in its respective markets.

The licensing agreement is set to last for six months, further expanding Prime Video’s content offerings in Europe. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, the success of Cross and the new partnership with Leonine Studios reflect Prime Video’s commitment to delivering quality programming to its audience.

With the third season of Cross on the horizon, viewers can anticipate more thrilling narratives and character developments. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific release date for the new season, but the excitement surrounding the series is palpable as fans await further announcements.

Сообщение Prime Video Renews Cross for a Third Season появились сначала на YourTownNews.