Iranians on Tuesday lit bonfires in the streets and jumped over them, carrying on an ancient tradition ahead of the Persian New Year to purify themselves and ward off evil spirits. The fire festival, called Chaharshanbe Soori, is celebrated every year on the night of the last Tuesday of the Iranian calendar year. In Tehran, fires illuminated the streets at dusk and the sound of songs and music filled the air. “We came here to have a little fun and boost our morale,” said Amir Saadati, a 31-year-old waiter.

“We’re all in a bad economic situation”, Saadati told AFP, expressing his hope that “all the problems will disappear” with the new year beginning on Friday. Iran’s economy, already reeling from biting international sanctions, has suffered more blows with a sharp currency depreciation and soaring inflation.

An Iranian woman jumps a fire during the Wednesday Fire feast, or Chaharshanbeh Soori, held annually on the last Wednesday eve before the Spring holiday of Nowruz, in Tehran.

Iranians light fireworks during the Wednesday Fire feast, or Chaharshanbeh Soori, held annually on the last Wednesday eve before the Spring holiday of Nowruz.

Iranians light fireworks during the Wednesday Fire feast, or Chaharshanbeh Soori, held annually on the last Wednesday eve before the Spring holiday of Nowruz.

Iranians attend the Wednesday Fire feast, or Chaharshanbeh Soori, held annually on the last Wednesday eve before the Spring holiday of Nowruz, in Tehran.

Iranians light a lantern during the Wednesday Fire feast, or Chaharshanbeh Soori, held annually on the last Wednesday eve before the Spring holiday of Nowruz.

Iranians light fireworks and lanterns during the Wednesday Fire feast, or Chaharshanbeh Soori, held annually on the last Wednesday eve before the Spring holiday of Nowruz.

During the Chaharshanbe Soori festival, participants jump over bonfires while chanting “I give you my yellow color” - symbolizing disease - and “I take your red color” - symbolizing life. “It is a night of joy” with people dancing “at home and in the streets”, said 32-year-old vendor Erfan Hosseini.

The festival is part of Iran’s pre-Islamic heritage and is generally frowned upon by the Shiite Muslim clerical establishment. But it is popular with young people, many of whom make their own fireworks for the event, a practice that sometimes results in injury or even death. — AFP