On Saturday, the Hardturm Areal in Zurich was transformed into a colorful sea of colors, music and political messages. Thousands of Kurds and their supporters from all over Switzerland came together to celebrate Newroz – the traditional Kurdish spring and resistance festival. This year's celebration was held under the motto: “Free Abdullah Öcalan, re-organize yourself”.

Participants traveled from all over the country, arriving in the early hours of the morning. The fact that the festival was celebrated in the open air for the first time resulted in a noticeably higher turnout compared to previous years. On Newroz Square, people sang, danced and, above all, sent a clear message of peace, unity and political demands throughout the day.

Amid traditional dances, colorful costumes and rhythmic rows of dance, the cry “Bijî Serok Apo” – “Long live Leader Öcalan” – was omnipresent. Large-scale posters bearing the likeness of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and the flags of Kurdish parties and organizations dominated the event. The release of Öcalan and an end to his solitary confinement were repeatedly and loudly demanded.

In speeches by various organizations and parties, Newroz was saluted as a symbol not only of spring, but, above all, of the Kurdish freedom struggle. Dilan Çetinkaya from the umbrella organization of the democratic Kurdish communities in Switzerland (CDK-S) said: “Our Newroz today is a political one. We demand the physical freedom of Öcalan and a democratic society.” Cemal Özdemir also referred to the historical significance of the festival and said: “For us, Newroz is resistance. The path to a solution leads through Öcalan's freedom.”

Swiss politicians also supported the event. National Council members Katharina Prelicz-Huber (Greens) and Fabian Molina (SP) expressed their solidarity with the Kurds' demands. “Newroz is a celebration of hope and freedom,” said Prelicz-Huber, adding: “Öcalan has spoken out clearly in favor of peace – it is time for the Turkish government to take this step as well.” Fabian Molina stated: “The time for freedom is now – Öcalan must be released.”

The event ended late in the evening with musical performances by Kurdish artists such as Xecê, Ferhat Tunç, Hozan Kawa and Koma Rojhilat, who got the crowd dancing and singing along with emotional songs. The participants emphasized that the fire of Newroz should be carried forward: as a light of hope, a sign of resistance, a call for freedom.