Red Wednesday celebrations: Yezidis’ new year reflects spirit of coexistence in North and East Syria

DUKER, North and East Syria — A joyous and harmonious atmosphere permeated the village of Duker as the Yezidi community celebrated their New Year, known as Red Wednesday. The event, marked by traditional dances, songs, and congratulatory speeches, saw distinguished attendance from representatives of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAARNES), institutions from the Beth Nahrain National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), and Nadine Maenza, President of the General Secretariat for International Religious Freedom, who attended the celebration for the first time.   

Red Wednesday is a sacred occasion commemorating creation, renewal, and rebirth. According to Yezidi mythology, the cosmos was initially shrouded in mist and darkness. At this pivotal moment, God entrusted the Peacock Angel, Tawûsî Melek, with the mission of revitalizing the barren earth. Descending upon the revered “Herher” tree in the holy Lalish Valley, Tawûsî Melek ushered in the beginning of life and heralded the arrival of spring.   

Speaking to Syriac Press during the celebration, Nadine Maenza expressed her joy, stating, “It is wonderful to be back in Northeast Syria. I am so happy to be part of this multi-religious community here. This is my first time experiencing the Red Wednesday celebrations, the Yezidis’ New Year. It’s beautiful to see Muslims, Christians, and Yezidis coming together to celebrate, demonstrating how Northeast Syria is different from the rest of Syria.”

Several prominent figures from various community and religious groups attended the celebration. Vivian Baho, Co-Chair of the Executive Council of Gozarto (Jazira) Region, said, “On behalf of the Executive Council of Jazira Region, we extend our warm congratulations to the peoples of North and East Syria and especially to the Yezidi people on the occasion of Red Wednesday and their New Year. We hope this holiday marks the beginning of a solution for the crises facing the peoples of North and East Syria and Syria as a whole. To the Yezidi community, we say: Happy New Year!”   

Georgette Barsomo, representative of the Syriac Women’s Union (Huyodo d’Neshe d’Bethnahrin, HNB) in Syria, shared her happiness with the event, saying, “Today, as institutions of the Beth Nahrain National Council, we wanted to join the Yezidi community in celebrating their New Year. We are very pleased to be present here alongside various communities in Duker Village. We are happy with this celebration, which embodies the culture and heritage of the ancient Yezidi people who have endured significant persecution, exclusion, and massacres that have drained their strength.”   

Barsomo added, “Today, we felt that we are a united people, as many of the rituals resemble those of us Christians—especially with Easter coming up in a few days. The coloring and cracking of eggs and the symbols they represent are similar to those of this occasion. We wish all the best to the Yezidi community in Syria and abroad, and we congratulate them, wishing them peace and prosperity in a homeland filled with justice and peace.”   

Suleiman Jafar, Head of Afrin Yezidi Union, highlighted the significance of this occasion for the Yezidi people, saying, “This day reminds us of our roots and the strength of our determination to preserve our culture and heritage despite all hardships. Our presence here alongside our brothers from the Muslim and Christian communities reflects the true spirit of this region.”   

Amid the celebrations filled with traditional songs, colorful eggs symbolizing the seasons, and group dances, the occasion showcased the strength of ties between the various components of North and East Syria.   

This day was an opportunity to renew hope and celebrate life, demonstrating how the community in North and East Syria can overcome crises and build a future marked by peace and coexistence, while maintaining the cultural and religious diversity that makes the region exceptional.