Organizer postpones La Jolla’s first and only Persian New Year festival amid Iran war

These last few weeks have been a time of great and uncertain change for Elnaz Iraj, an Iranian American who moved to the U.S. about 18 years ago. Iraj helped organize La Jolla’s very first Persian New Year Festival, named “Views of Nowruz” in 2024.

“It was a very, very tough decision but it was the right decision because we just could not go through with it, nothing feels right. You just cannot be happy right now,” said Iraj. “There was nothing to celebrate.”

Iraj has proudly displayed her haft-sin, a symbolic display for Norwuz, in her home. While explaining the significance of each item she chose, she said that these last few weeks have been consumed by fear for her family’s safety back in Iran.

“Day to day life, you go to work you go to school, you go here and there. That is not even safe,” said Iraj. “You are not even safe to go grocery shopping.”

As the stress mounted, Iraj made the difficult decision to step away. After nearly three years of service—including two as a board member—she resigned as Vice President of the La Jolla Village Merchants Association (LJVMA) in February.

“It’s very emotional, stressful timing right now. I served the board for 3 years and loved every moment of it, but it was time that I needed to focus on my wellbeing, my personal life and also my real estate business,” said Iraj. “It was time for me to step down, and I feel like the board needed new energy. My energy right now — it wasn’t good,” Iraj added.

Although Persian New Year has since come and gone, Iraj hopes that perhaps there will be a reason to celebrate again soon. Even from the other side of the world, a piece of herself remains anchored to the first place she ever called home—Iran.

“We moved our body. Our heart is there,” said Iraj.

In a statement on LJVMA’s website, the board said it welcomed four new board members, and thanked Iraj and others for their contributions.

“Their service helped advance LJVMA’s mission and contributed to the vibrant business environment we enjoy today. We are deeply appreciative of their commitment and community spirit,” the statement read.