On 1 April, the Syriacs people around the world celebrate the Assyrian spring festival, Akitu to mark the start of the new year. The Christian peoples in Northern and Eastern Syria also celebrate Akitu on this day and welcome their new year. The Democratic Autonomous Administration in the Northern and Eastern Syria Region (DAANES) wished all people who will meet and celebrate the Akitu on Monday a happy and peaceful celebration.

In a statement the Autonomous Administration said: “With this New Year's greeting we connect the peoples' desire for change and their hope for a new beginning. Akitu is a historical festivity and marks the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature for the Syriacs people. We take this day as an opportunity to once again emphasize our commitment to protecting all faiths and cultures in our region and their values. Akitu brikho/Akitu brikha!”

Akitu means festival in Sumerian

Akitu can be traced back to a tradition that goes back thousands of years and is one of the oldest festivals in the world. It has its origins in the ancient Sumerian civilization of Mesopotamia. Akitu begins after the equinox on 21 March and peaks on 1 April. This day marks the date for sowing barley.

In Northern and Eastern Syria, Akitu has been a public holiday since 2022 by decision of the Autonomous Administration.