Because of the Corona pandemic, the Democratic Federation of Kurdistan Communities (KAWA) has decided to follow the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute and the Hessen Ministry of Health and to cancel this year's central Newroz event on March 21 in Frankfurt am Main.

The spokeswoman of the Kurdish umbrella organisation, Dilan Akdogan, said about the decision: "We regret that we have to make this decision, because Newroz is not only a festival of spring for us Kurds, but also a festival of democracy, freedom and peace, which we are missing so painfully in the Middle East these days. Moreover, 21 March is International Day against Racism. A few weeks after Hanau, we wanted to set an example in this respect as well."

A demonstration and an extensive stage programme with musical and political contributions from various countries were planned. On behalf of the City of Frankfurt, Sylvia Weber, Head of the Department for Integration and Education, was set to speak at the event.

"We were very much looking forward to these guests and the many thousands of people from all over Germany," Akdogan continued. "But for us, the cancellation of the event is a question of solidarity and responsibility towards elderly people and those with weakened health, who absolutely must be protected from infection. Reducing the number of new infections is the order of the day and we will make our contribution to this".

Should be possible to hold the event later in the year, it will be made up for, according to the organizers.