According to the Kurdish culture, the new year is celebrated on January 13th every year according to the Solar Calendar. This special day is commonly known as “Serê Salê” (New Year’s Eve – New Year’s End). Serê Salê, which is traditionally greeted with rituals such as going door to door, storytelling, songs and gifts, means a day full of joy and sharing, especially for children.

Colorful Serê Salê celebration in Diyarbakır

This year, a comprehensive Serê Salê event was held in the Sur district of Diyarbakır in collaboration with the Rengarenk Umutlar Association and Mordem Sanat. The event both brought traditional rituals to life and offered children an unforgettable experience.

What was done at the event?

• Kurdish stories were told to children at the Rengarenk Umutlar Association.
• Children went door to door on the streets of Sur accompanied by stilts and clowns.
• Kurdish songs were sung accompanied by Erbane.
• Doors were knocked on with the nursery rhyme “Serê salê binê salê” and gifts were collected.
• Thanks to this event, the traditional New Year celebration culture has become visible again in modern city life.

What is Serê Salê?

Serê Salê is the day when Kurds welcome the new year according to the ancient Solar Calendar. This special celebration is known in the past for children going from house to house collecting gifts, singing songs and making good wishes. It is also a tradition that reflects social solidarity and joy.

Civan Aytaç and Barış Işık on Serê Salê

As part of the event, Civan Aytaç from the Rengarenk Umutlar Association and Barış Işık from Mordem Sanat shared their thoughts on the meaning of Serê Salê and its impact on children.
Civan Aytaç: “Serê Salê is not just a New Year; it is a day of cultural memory and hope that remains in the memory of children.”
Barış Işık: “These types of events, blended with art and play, allow children to connect with both language and culture.”

The Serê Salê spirit from past to future

Serê Salê is an important tradition that reveals the joyful, sharing and solidarity aspects of Kurdish culture. The celebrations in Diyarbakır are of great importance in terms of both keeping this culture alive and providing children with a sense of cultural belonging.