The Iranian New Year, or Nowruz, on March 21 marks the first day of spring, and celebrations traditionally begin on the last Tuesday of the year ending with the Fire Festival.
Iranians mark this by lighting fires and jumping through the flames, and also use the festival to air their grievances against the mullahs’ regime, which constantly fears it could trigger mass nationwide protests.
In recent years, security forces have cracked down on the celebrations, banning the sale of firecrackers, sparklers, rockets and home-made grenades months ahead of the event.
High ranking clerics and the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have also issued a decree stating that the Fire Festival is harmful and has no religious basis.