The Herald Of Norouz Comes To Iran

Sahdmehr, 12, from the northern province of Mazandaran, poses in costume as Haji Firuz.

Sajjad, age 14, plays Haji Firuz with his face smeared with soot. The custom is thought to be related to ancient Zoroastrian fire rituals, in which a designated fire-keeper played a central role.

Toofan, 19, from the northern province of Mazandaran, poses for a portrait in downtown Tehran.

Hooman, 29, plays the tambourine. Other performers play the drums or stringed instruments like the saz or rabob.

Arash Khoshani, 17

Ghorban Heidari, 25

Iman, 22