Warren (Smokey) Thomas
President, OPSEU/SEFPO
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida
First Vice-President/Treasurer, OPSEU/SEFPO
A celebration of peace, solidarity, and new beginnings, Nowruz marks the New Year for more than 300 million people around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Balkans. It is also frequently referred to as the “Persian New Year” and celebrated by some Muslim communities.
Timed to the astronomical vernal equinox – the first day of spring – it has been celebrated for thousands of years and is taking place this year on Saturday, March 20.
The word “Nowruz” literally means “new day.” Festivities might include feasting with families, planting seeds, and painting eggs. This year, COVID-19 will prevent families from celebrating in traditional ways but with the vaccine plan in place, hope for better days is stronger than ever.
Nowruz is about renewal and there is no better time to renew our faith in the world.
In that spirit, we wish all OPSEU/SEFPO members and Ontarians marking this day a happy, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous Nowruz: “Nowruz Mubarak”.
In solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas
President, OPSEU/SEFPO
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida
First Vice-President/Treasurer, OPSEU/SEFPO