Celebrate Persian New Year at Oakland food and art fair

Nowruz Market features treats, jewelry and more

Ah, the spring equinox — a time to plant our unpelted wheat, water our sombols and get the haftseen ready for display. Or at least that's what you might be doing if you celebrate Nowruz, an ancient spring equinox bash that's observed in parts of Asia, the Caucasus, the Black Sea Basin and beyond.

Locals who want to get in on the Persian New Year fun should head to Oakland Saturday for the second annual Nowruz Market 1403. The event, which takes place from noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine, at 815 Alice St., will feature arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, tattoos and, of course, food like shirini (sweets), torshi (pickled vegetables), preserves and other tasty treats.

This year's event, which comes ahead of Nowruz's actual date of March 19, is organized by a group of queer SWANA (SouthSouthwest Asian/North African) community members in the Bay Area.

“There are a wide range of vendors celebrating cultures across the region with a focus on empowering community,” says Meena Hussain, one of the organizers. “The market will feature over 20 local vendors selling traditional SWANA foods, handmade jewelry and cultural artifacts, visual art and more.”

There also will be a large haft-seen created by one of the vendors for everyone to enjoy. “A haft-seen is like an altar dedicated to bringing in the new year,” Hussain says. “It's filled with special items — each one represents something, such as good health.”

Last year's market drew more than 300 people — in the rain, yet — so expect this one to be well attended. Entry is a suggested donation of $2 to $10, with a portion of the funds going toward humanitarian aid for Gaza. One more bonus: Attendees get free chai. Find the details, including a full vendor list, on Eventbrite.