On Friday, March 18th the Kurdish community held their traditional new-year festivities at Karlsplatz Stachus in Munich. The event was very peaceful and everybody was simply celebrating and dancing. Turkish nationalists marched at the same time from Goetheplatz to Odeonsplatz in downtown Munich, passing by the festivities in a little distance carrying signs, stating that PKK – Kurdistans Workers party – and Al Qaida are equal. No tensions between the two groups erupted. Picture galleries from Friday below:

Newroz festivities

On the square a fire is set up, as well as lights and music.

People dance peacefully holding each others hands.

Kurds in traditional clothing dancing.

Some carry YPG flags

Also small children happily participate in the festivities.

Turkish nationalists

Participant carrying a Turkish flag forming his hands to the ‘wolve’ – sign of the Turkish ‘Grey Wolve’ facists.