You may hear someone say "Nowruz Mubarak!" Thursday.
That's because about 300 million people around the world are celebrating the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz.
The celebration of Nowruz has been around for over 3,000 years, and falls on the March Vernal Equinox, which marks the first month of the Iranian solar calendar. It's a celebration of both the new year, and the start of the spring season.
While most of the traditional celebrations - including spoon banging, jumping over fire, singing poetry, and dancing - that are happening in Los Angeles county will take place this weekend, may dining rooms will be full Thursday evening as families come together to eat.
Whether you always celebrate the Persian New Year, or feel like joining in on the festivites for the first time, there are a number of Persian bakeries in the Westwood area of LA, that will satisfy your palette with traditional fare.
Here's what's cooking:
- Paris Bakery, 1448 Westsood Blvd.
- Pink Orchid, 1972 Westwood Blvd.
- Rex Bakery, 1659 Sawtelle Blvd.
- Taste of Tehran, 1915 Westwood Blvd.
- Farsi Cafe, 1961 Westwood Blvd.
Don't see your favorite Persian restaurant included on our list? Email us tips@nbcla.com or tweet us @nbcla.