EXHIBITS
Talking to America: Iranian Communities in Southern California: Sizdah Bedar
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Sizdah Bedar (13th Outdoor)
سیزده بدر
It is an age-old Iranian tradition to spend the thirteenth day of the Spring—known as Sizdah Bedar—picnicking outdoors with the family.
One of the largest Sizdah Bedar gatherings of Iranians in Southern California is held annually at Mason Park in Irvine. During the day, the park is practically closed to all other business, and it is even rumored that some people sleep at the gate the night before to find a good picnic spot.
As with most other Iranian events in Southern California, a dance party is an inseparable part of Sizdah-Bedar—and it is more common to find people dressed in party attire than in picnic-friendly clothes.
