IRVINE, CA – March 7, 2014 –  NIPOC - the Network of Iranian-American Professionals of Orange County  on behalf of the Southern California based Persian Community announces that Persian New Year (NoRooz) starts on Thursday March 20, 2014 at 9:57 am (PST).

The Christian New Year occurs at the exact time every year. NoRooz occurs the days, minutes, and seconds the earth takes to go once around the sun, exactly at the spring equinox.

As usual, Iranian-Americans in Southern California will be displaying 50 Norooz banners in the streets of Irvine, California to commemorate Persian New Year. These 3 by 6 feet banners are installed on Culver (Interstate 5 to Irvine Center Dr.), 405 FWY & Culver from Michelson to University, Harvard from University to Culver. This project is funded and organized by NIPOC on behalf of selfless Iranian-Americans living in Southern California. The goal is to give our Spring message of Hope to the entire Orange County community.

The banners give the message of NoRooz. Wishing all a new beginning full of HOPE with a gift of LOVE for PEACE and JOY and a gift of WISDOM For HEALTH and WEALTH.

We hope Irvine paves the way for many more cities to embrace and enjoy NoRooz.

Public is invited to participate in several community events planned in the Southland. NoRooz Festival  is scheduled for Sunday on March 23^rd  at the Colonel Barber Park next to Irvine City Hall,  Sizdeh-Bedar (Nature Day) is celebrated this year on Sunday March 30, at William R. Mason Regional Park with thousands of visitors expected to celebrate the 13^th day of NoRooz. This is a picnic style event lasting the whole day.  Mason Regional Park is located at 18712 University Drive Irvine, CA 92612.