WANA (Apr. 2) – Like every year, Iranians celebrate their ancient festival of Nature Day (Sizdah-Bedar) on April 2nd, marking the 13th and final day of their New Year festivities.

 

This year, the usual joy of the occasion is mixed with a sense of unease. Many people are aware that the Iranian New Year is set to be a pivotal year in diplomacy, with ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States and renewed threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

 

Sizdah-Bedar, which translates to “getting rid of thirteen,” is a centuries-old tradition where families spend the day outdoors, enjoying picnics in nature. It is believed to bring good fortune and drive away bad luck, making it an essential part of the Persian New Year celebrations.

 

Parks and green spaces across Iran are typically filled with families sharing meals, playing games, and tying blades of grass as a symbolic wish for the year ahead.

 

Iranians gather at a park on Nature Day in Tehran, Iran, April 2, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

 

Yet, beneath the festive atmosphere, there is a lingering tension. Many Iranians are concerned about their country’s economic future, particularly given the ongoing discussions around sanctions and the uncertain direction of diplomatic talks. The possibility of new pressures from the U.S. and shifting global alliances have left people wondering how these events might shape their daily lives.

 

The possibility of war is another big concern of Iranians in this new Iranian year; while WANA reporters were interviewing a young man on this day and asked him about his opinion on this possibility, Hamed Mohammadzade said: ” If they want to enter a war, it is better to have a soft war.

 

In terms of soft war, it can paralyze us. And when we are paralyzed economically, what is the need for bombs and missiles? Of course, we are ready for bombs and missiles if they hit, but in terms of our livelihood, our people are under pressure. Please, the authorities, let them be behind us (stand by them) as much as we are behind them.”

 

Another Iranian man who has a family to be responsible for expresses his concern about the year ahead and says: ” If someone says that the sanctions have not had any effect, I think that they do not live here and considering the dollar is at this price and if the government wants to set the price of gasoline, I think life will be very disrupted (here in Iran).” This is what Reza told us about his concern, but he was hoping that if negotiations with the U.S. occur, maybe it could ease the situation in the country a bit.

 

Iranians gather at a park on Nature Day in Tehran, Iran, April 2, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

 

So, as you can see, families come together to celebrate the conclusion of Nowruz with Sizdah-Bedar, bringing both their hopes and worries for the upcoming year.

 

Although customs suggest they should discard misfortune, the larger concerns of politics and diplomacy persist. This year’s Nature Day is filled with joy and festivity, yet it is also overshadowed by the looming uncertainties of the future.