If you click on the links in this post, we may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclaimer here.
Today, I want to tell you about the Assyrian New Year in Chicago. I will tell you a bit about the history behind Assyria and the Assyrian New Year. Then I’ll tell you what you can expect in Chicago, and how to save money when visiting there.
Assyrian History
Assyria was an ancient kingdom in Mesopotamia. It was located in Northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey. Famous for their fighting prowess and cruelty, the Assyrians were monumental builders
Assyrians are a distinct ethnic group, descendants from the ancient Assyrian Empire. They have faced persecution and displacement throughout history leading to a significant diaspora.
Approximately 95% of Assyrians have left their historic homeland in Turkey and Iran. They can be found in parts of Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran as well as in communities worldwide. In the United States, they can be found in Chicago, Metro Detroit, Phoenix, San Jose and Los Angeles. Communities can also be found in Australia and parts of Europe.
Assyrians are primarily Christian and their language is Modern Syrias, a form of Aramaic. They are a distinct Ethno-religious group. Their worldwide population is estimated to be between 3 to 5 million.
Assyrian New Year
April 1 is the Assyrian New Year. It’s the most important national holiday handed down through history from the ancient past. Today, Assyrians all over the world celebrate this day as their national festival.
Assyrian New Year, also known as Kha b’Nissan, celebrates the new year and highlights the traditions and rich cultural heritage of the Assyrian people.
Dating back to the Mesopotamia era, it is one of the oldest continuously observed New Year’s celebrations in the world.
The celebration involves elaborate parades, vibrant costumes, transitional dancing and music. Assyrians in America and around the world come together, celebrating their shared history and keeping ancestral traditions alive.
Assyrian American National Federation
The Assyrian American National Federation is hosting the 6775/2025 Chicago Assyrian New Year Parade on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 1:30 pm CDT. This is a 30+ year Chicago Assyrian tradition celebrating Assyrian heritage with entertainment and fun!
The parade starts off at Devon and Western Avenue (honoring King Sargon Boulevard), heads north on Western Avenue and ends at North Shore.
Following the parade will be a picnic and parties. Many people wear traditional clothes and dance traditional folk dances for hours. There are smaller parties where a traditional feast is served, including dolma, kubba, pacha, seven fruits and more. Families also go to cultural centers and enjoy poetry readings.
Additional Information
If you’d like to learn more about the Assyrian Empire and the Assyrians in Chicago, try these books. And you can use our links to see how you can save money on them.
- “Assyrians In Chicago” by Vasali Shoumanova
- “Assyrian American Association of Chicago: 100 Years” By Vasili Shoumanova
- “Assyria: The Rise & Fall of the World’s First Empire” by Eckart Frahm
Visiting Chicago
If you’ll be coming to Chicago for the Assyrian New Year festivities, you should consider the following hotels. They are all offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay. Here are some of the best deals.
- The Emily Hotel – 44% Discount
- Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown – 36% Discount
- The Midland Hotel Chicago – 35% Discount
- Sonder at South Wabash – 30% Discount
- Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport – 30% Discount
- London House Chicago, Curio Collection – 29% Discount
- Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown – 28% Discount
- AC Hotel Chicago Downtown – 27% Discount
- Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection – 27% Discount
- Kimpton Gray Hotel Chicago, an IHG Hotel – 27% Discount
- Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop Chicago – 27% Discount
- Curio Collection By Hilton Navy Pier – 27% Discount
- Moxy Chicago Downtown – 26% Discount
- Freehand Chicago – 26% Discount
- The Hoxton Chicago – 25% Discount
- Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown – 24% Discount
- Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile – 24% Discount
- Courtyard Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile – 23% Discount
- Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago – 23% Discount
- Sonder The Burnham – 23% Discount
- Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile – 22% Discount
- Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop – Theatre District – 22% Discount
- L7 Chicago by Lotte – 22% Discount
- The Palmer House Hilton – 21% Discount
- Hilton Chicago – 21% Discount
- Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop – 21% Discount
- Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites – 21% Discount
If you’ll be flying to Chicago, we can tell you how to save money on flights this spring.
For other ways to save during your time in Chicago, check out our Chicago budget travel tips.