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We’d like to tell you about the Assyrian New Year in Sydney. We’ll tell you a little about the Assyrians, their history and their celebration. Then we’ll tell you some ways to save money on a visit to Sydney.
Assyrian History
The Assyrians and the Babylonians were distinct Mesopotamian civilizations that competed for centuries. Assyria was located in present day northern Iran and southeastern Turkey. Assyrians were famous for their fighting prowess and were known as monumental builders.
The Babylonians joined with the Medes in the 600s and they conquered the Assyrians. The Assyrian state was completely destroyed.
Assyrians are a distinct ethnic group, descending from the ancient Assyrian Empire. Since the 600s, they have faced persecution and displacement that led to a significant diaspora.
There are some Assyrian communities remaining in parts of iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria. The majority of the Assyrians moved to Australia, Europe and North America.
Assyrians are predominantly Christian and their language is a form of Aramaic, called ModernA Syrias. They are a distinct ethic-religious group. Worldwide, their population is estimated to be between three to five million, although some estimates place it higher than that.
Assyrian New Year
The most important national holiday handed down through the centuries is the Assyrian New Year. Assyrians worldwide celebrate this day as their national festival. Dating back to the Mesopotamia era, it is one of the oldest continuously observed New Year’s celebrations in the world.
Assyrian New Year is on April 1, 2026, and is also known as Kla b Nissan. The celebration highlights their traditions and the rich cultural heritage of the Assyrian people. Assyrians come together to celebrate shared history and to keep ancestral traditions alive.
Assyrians In Australia
Early Assyrian immigrants came to Australia in 1958, following the Iraqi revolution. The numbers increased during the 1960s given the instability in Iraq. Even larger numbers came during the 1980s with the majority settling in Sydney and New South Wales.
The Assyrian Association was established to support the growing community. Their objectives have been to strengthen the Assyrian community’s identity while assisting Assyrian migrants settle and integrate into Australian society.
Assyrian New Year Festival
Starting small, the Assyrian community in Sydney celebrated the Assyrian New Year together. Gradually, this evolved into a festival held at the Fairfield Showgrounds in Sydney. Today, this exciting annual celebration is attended by Australia’s multicultural communities. People of all backgrounds come together to enjoy Assyrian food, music and performances.
This year’s Assyrian New Year Festival will be happening on March 29, 2026, for a full day of celebration, culture and entertainment.
Assyrian Arts & Culture
Vendor stalls will feature artistic creations, traditional garments, Assyrian souvenirs, jewelry and other unique pieces.
Entertainment
See stage performances of traditional folk music and concerts featuring celebrated Assyrian recording artists, both national and international.
Food
You can indulge in a diverse selection of street food, traditional Assyrian dishes, family friendly meals and unique culinary adventures.
Additional Festival Information
You can enjoy rides for kids, teens and families and games as well as other family friendly activities.
Read More
If you’d like to learn more about the Assyrian Empire and the Assyrian diaspora, try these books. You can use our links to see how you can save money on them.
- Assyrian: The Rise & Fall of the World’s First Empire by Eckard Frahn
- Reforging A Forgotten History – Iraq & The Assyrians in the Twentieth Century by Sargon Donabed
Hotels & Flights
If you’re going to Sydney for the Assyrian New Year Festival, you should consider these hotels. They are all offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay.
If you’ll be flying into Sydney, we can tell you how to save money on flights this spring.