During the Achaemenid era, the festival was celebrated with great splendor at Persepolis, where kings welcomed envoys and received gifts from across their vast empire. In fact, historical evidence suggests that one of Persepolis’ primary functions was to host Nowruz celebrations.

Persian New Year is celebrated in many countries across the world. Here’s everything you need to know, including what to cook and where to celebrate.

Nowruz, which translates to “new day,” falls on the first day of spring each year, as the Persian calendar follows the vernal equinox. This year, many Iranians, Persians and others who celebrate Nowruz are welcoming the year 1404.