Tirgan is a nonpartisan, non-religious, nonprofit Canadian registered charitable organization committed to promoting cross-cultural dialogue between Iranian-Canadians and the global community at large, through year-round production of cultural programs including festivals.
Our signature events are Nowruz and Tirgan Festivals which coincide with two of the most important ancient Iranian /Persian celebrations in the months of March and July respectively. The two events have turned into world’s largest celebrations of Iranian art and culture and a popular meeting point for the very best of local and international talents presenting Iranian cultural programs. Our festivals are held in multiple prestigious locations in Toronto, such as the Harbourfront Centre and the Distillery Historic District in downtown Toronto and The Toronto Centre for the Arts north of the city, with over 150,000 visitors from within Canada and around the world, 250+ artists, and 140+ performances, talks, presentations, and workshops. We are constantly expanding our events and venues to accommodate more spectacular events and welcome more visitors.
Tirgan’s history
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Tirgan Summer Festivals
Nowruz Spring Festivals
Nowruz is the day of the vernal equinox, and marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the first day of the first month of the Iranian calendar. It usually occurs on March 21 or the previous or following day, depending on where it is observed. The moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year, and families gather together to observe the celebrations.
Yalda Celebrations
The longest and darkest night of the year is a time when friends and family gather together to eat, drink, and read poetry until well after midnight. Fruits and nuts are eaten and pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant. The red colour in these fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life. The poems of Divan-e Hafez, which can be found in the bookcases of most Iranian families, are read or recited on various occasions such as this festival and Nowruz.
Tirgan Galas
| Festival / Event Name | Date | Programs | Artists / Guests | Locations | Visitors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tirgan 2019 |
July 2019 | 50 | 230 | 3 | 160000 |
|
Tirgan 2017 |
July 2017 | 140 | 200 | 3 | 150000 |
|
Tirgan 2015 |
August 2015 | 100 | 180 | 1 | 135000 |
|
Tirgan 2013 |
July 2013 | 95 | 150 | 1 | 120000 |
|
Tirgan 2011 |
July 2011 | 80 | 100 | 1 | 80000 |
|
Tirgan 2008 |
July 2008 | 70 | 80 | 1 | 60000 |
|
Nowruz 2019 |
March 2019 | 30 | 80 | 1 | 25000 |
|
Nowruz 2018 |
March 2018 | 40 | 100 | 1 | 20000 |
|
Nowruz 2017 |
March 2017 | 35 | 80 | 1 | 15000 |
|
Nowruz 2006 |
March 2006 | 30 | 80 | 1 | 25000 |
 |
Mohsen Namjoo Concert |
February 2017 | 1 | 1 | ||
 |
Golnar & Mahan Trio Concert |
August 2018 | 1 | 1 | ||
 |
Arefnameh |
October 2016 | 1 | 1 |
