Pride and joy

Club marks Iran's National Day with 11-day celebrations

The 23rd National Day of the Republic of Iran will be celebrated on February 11. The Iranian Club is holding an 11-day celebration to remember the event.

The celebrations, which started yesterday and run until February 11, will mark the National Day and the 10 "Victory Days" of the revolution during which the Shah was overthrown in a coup led by Ayatullah Khomeini. The National Day, commemorating the Islamic Revolution of Iran in 1979, is one of the most important events in the Iranian calendar.

"We are expecting a crowd between 15,000 and 20,000 to attend the final day of the celebrations," said Ahmed Olayaei, head of the club's Education and Cultural Department.

"Last year we had an attendance of around 13,000 and this year we are expecting more," he added.

A highlight of the celebrations will be the staging of an acclaimed two-hour silent play, Vol, which will be staged for 12 consecutive days from February 3. Professional Iranian as well as local actors will perform in this production which will feature some of the best Iranian music and dance routines.

People of all age groups and interest will have something to enjoy during these 10 days. Famous short and feature-length films will be shown at the auditorium every day for the filmgoers. An exhibition of the unique Iranian paintings and calligraphy will be displayed for art lovers.

For the younger generation there will be pop music shows and live performances by famous Iranian musicians and artistes for the whole family.

Magicians, musicians and children of the Iranian Club Kindergarten School will perform during the final day of the celebrations, which will be attended by many dignitaries. The grand finale will feature fireworks.