AKITU: CHALDEAN NEW YEAR CELEBRATION APRIL 7 IN EL CAJON TRACES ROOTS BACK THOUSANDS OF YEARS

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April 5, 2013 (El Cajon) – The ancient Babylonians celebrated the New Year during the spring equinox with an 11-day festival.  On Sunday, April 7, Iraqi Chaldeans—descendants of the Babylonians-- will host Akitu, a Chaldean New Year celebration.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 3-8 p.m. in Prescott Premenade Park. Chaldean live music and folkloric dance will be featured; food and beverages will also be available.

Prescott Promenade Park is located one block east of Magnolia on Main Street in downtown El Cajon.

El Cajon is home to an estimated 40,000 Iraqi Chaldean Christians.  The history of the Akitu celebration, however, traces its roots back to thousands of years before the time of Christ. 

For more information on the fascinating history  of this celebration, visit http://www.kaldaya.net/


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