In Brussels, masses celebrated Newroz enthusiastically this year under the slogan “Free Leadership, Democratic Society”.

The celebration took place in Cinquantenaire Park, built in 1880 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgium's independence. 

For the Newroz event, a stage was set up in front of the Independence Monument and a banner was hung with Abdullah Öcalan’s most recent photo from İmralı and the words “Newroza Azadiyê Pîroz Be!” (Happy Newroz of Freedom!).

Hundreds of people from different cities of Belgium filled the area from the early hours of the morning, wearing local clothes and carrying flags of the PKK, PJAK, YPG, YPJ and TJK-E. 

The celebration started with a moment of silence and the greetings of the organizing committee. The enthusiasm reached its peak with the songs of singer Xelil Sadiq.

In his speech at the event, KNK (Kurdistan National Congress) Co-Chair Ahmed Karamus emphasized the importance of Newroz and recalled Abdullah Öcalan’s ‘Call for Peace and Democratic Society’ made public on February 27. 

Karamus stated that millions of people embraced Öcalan’s call in the Newroz squares and this call paved the way for the construction of a democratic society. He stated that a solution to the Kurdish question is possible through struggle and the construction of a democratic society. 

Karamus said that Öcalan’s message resonated all over the world and the Kurdish people have a historic opportunity in front of them.

Emphasizing that the struggle must be increased in order to make use of this opportunity, Karamus called on the peoples of Turkey to embrace the Kurdish people’s demand for peace and freedom. 

“We must struggle more to strengthen the hand of Leader Öcalan, to lighten his burden and to ensure his physical freedom,” said Karamus and congratulated the participants on Newroz. 

The event culminated with the lighting of the Newroz fire. The enthusiastic celebration ended with the performance of artists Berivan Turhan, Ali Jiyan and Mustafa Altun.