Assyrian community gathers in London to celebrate New Year ‘Akitu’

Members of London’s Assyrian community gathered Tuesday to celebrate the Assyrian New Year, one of the world’s oldest recorded holidays.

Observed annually on April 1, the celebration dates back more than 6,700 years to ancient Mesopotamia, in what is now Iraq and parts of Syria and Turkey.

Traditionally known as Akitu, the festival marks the beginning of spring and the renewal of life.

“We are gathering today to celebrate the Assyrian New Year,” said community member Zuhair Marbina. “This year, we are celebrating 6,776 years of Assyrian nationality, city and culture. We would like to thank the City of London and thank Canada.”

To mark the occasion, the City of London illuminated London City Hall and other municipal buildings in the red, white and blue colours of the Assyrian flag.

Organizers said the gathering celebrates Assyrian heritage while bringing members of the local community together to honour their history and traditions.