Tirgan

Tirgan produces year-round arts and cultural activities including festivals with music, dance, theatre, cinema, literature and visual arts featuring internationally and locally acclaimed artists and performers that represent an Iranian cultural heritage. It includes works of various ethnic groups in Iran and is also part of the diverse cultural mosaic of Canadian society as a non-profit, non-religious and non-partisan cultural organization committed to promoting a cross-cultural dialogue between Iranian-Canadians and the global community at large. Our signature event is the Tirgan Festival, a biennial four-day summer festival coinciding with an ancient Persian celebration, usually held in July at the Toronto's Harbourfront Centre. It is currently the world’s largest celebration of Iranian arts and culture as well as the fruition of the contributions from over 300 volunteers, numerous public supporters, individual donors and corporate sponsors. In addition to Tirgan in 2017, there is the Nowruzgan Festival in March at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, celebrating the Canadian sesquicentennial and Nowruz (Persian New Year) at the same time. PAST EDITIONS Tirgan 2015 - Theme of Benevolence - Over 150,000 visitors attended Tirgan 2015, making this festival the largest of its kind in the world - More than 200 artists and 100+ free performances Tirgan 2013 - Theme of Hope - Over 130,000 visitors attended Tirgan 2013, making this festival the largest of its kind in the world - More than 150 artists and 80 free performances Tirgan 2011 - Theme of Eternity - Over 120,000 visitors attended the festival - Showcased talents of over 150 artists with more than 70 free performances Tirgan 2008 - Theme of Exploring Diversity - Over 60,000 visitors attended the festival - More than 100 artists and 40 free performances