In this Tuesday, March 17, 2020 photo, Iranians light fireworks during a celebration, known as "Chaharshanbe Souri," or Wednesday Feast, marking the eve of the last Wednesday of the solar Persian year, in Tehran, Iran. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
March 18, 2020
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March 18, 2020 5:24 a.m.
Iran's Nowruz New Year, typically joyous, haunted by virus
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — At this time of year, the meandering arcades and alleys of Tehran's Grand Bazaar and other markets would usually be filled with shoppers rushing to stock up before the Persian New Year, Nowruz — a major holiday in Iran, when the entire country goes on vacation.