In many Swiss cities, Kurds and supporters marked the Newroz festival on Friday evening with broad participation. Newroz fires were lit and celebrations continued late into the night in the cities of Lausanne, Biel, Chur, Basel, Geneva, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Winterthur, and Rapperswil-Jona, among others.
A central theme of the events was the shared perspective of the Kurdish population across all parts of Kurdistan. Speeches emphasized demands for freedom, a democratic solution to the Kurdish question, and Kurdish unity. In many places, the Newroz fires were lit by relatives of martyrs and by the Peace Mothers.
Lausanne
In Lausanne, hundreds gathered at Montbenon Park and marched with torches to Place des Pionnières. Alongside Kurdish representatives, Swiss politicians also participated in the rally. The Newroz fire was lit collectively, accompanied by speeches and a musical program.
Chur
In Chur, a demonstration march moved from the train station to the event site. The Newroz fire was lit by Kurdish mothers. Speeches highlighted the historical significance of Newroz as a symbol of resistance.
Lucerne
In Lucerne, a torch march proceeded from Helvetiaplatz to Kurplatz. Speeches referred to the struggles in Rojava and in North and East Kurdistan, and called for Kurdish unity.
St. Gallen
In St. Gallen, demonstrators marched from St. Leonhard Park through the city center. Slogans such as “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” accompanied the march. The Newroz fire was lit afterward.
Basel
In Basel, the program began at the Dreirosen area and continued with a torch march to Kasernenpark, where the Newroz fire was lit and the celebrations continued with traditional dances.
Geneva
In Geneva, the central celebration took place at Plaine de Plainpalais. Participants from all parts of Kurdistan emphasized the importance of unity, freedom, and democratic perspectives.
Winterthur
In Winterthur, many people gathered in front of the Kiwi cinema. A speech highlighted Newroz as an expression of resistance and a collective vision for the future. Speakers also called for participation in further large-scale events.
Biel
In Biel, many gathered at Kongresshausplatz. Speeches emphasized a shared Kurdish perspective and the role of the diaspora. After the Newroz fire was lit, traditional dances shaped the celebration.
Rapperswil-Jona
In Rapperswil-Jona, the Democratic Kurdish Cultural Center organized a combination of reception and public celebration. Alongside Kurdish representatives, local politicians and civil society actors also took part in the event. The speeches particularly highlighted the model of coexistence in Rojava and called for solidarity.