Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Hajji Firuz

Hajji Firuz is a fictional character in Iranian folklore who appears in cities on the first days of each year to announce the arrival of Nowruz to the people. His face is covered in soot, wearing red clothes. And he dances through the streets while singing traditional songs and playing a tambourine. Here, I've captured an image of a family standing behind a red light on Shariati Street in Tehran, Iran, while cars are stopped, and it's just before the Nowruz holiday. They are actively playing the role of Hajji Firuz, entertaining and earning income through this tradition.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Tehran, Iran
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Copyright: © Fatane Rahimi