April 1, 07

From Ankawa.com

Iraq, Dohuk- Neither fear of terrorism nor heavy rainfall could dampen the enthusiasm of more than 20,000 Assyrians, known also as Chaldeans and Syriacs, according to the organizers of the event, from participating in a parade of the Assyrian New year in the city of Dohuk on April 1, 2007 organized by the Assyrian Democratic Movement.

Participants gathered in front of the Church of the Virgin Mary and were bussed to the Perez Sporting Club, in the suburb where they assembled for the Ceremony. Despite rain the participants walked out into the muddy streets toward their final destination.

The ceremony began with the Scouts flag raising ceremony, the arrival of Mr. Shmail Nino and other leaders of Zowa who were welcomed by dancing and singing under the rain.

It is worth noting that the parade was attended by the leaders of most of the Assyrian Movement delegations including Mr. b Aliden Khamis President of the Assyrian American American Federation from the United States, and others. Entertainers were vocalists (Assyria Pieth Sarkis, George Jindo, Emmanuel Beth Greece, Ramiz Beth Shmuel, Salewa Akins). Representatives of the four governorships (Erbil, Ninawa, Kirkuk and Dohuk) where Assyrians live in great numbers were also present at the festivities. It is noteworthy the actual celebrations took place at the afternoon, in the Assyrian Cultural Center of Dohuk.

In Front are women from the town of Algush in their traditional colorful dress