Dohuk, North Iraq (AINA) -- Assyrians ushered in their 6759th year with a massive celebration in the city of Dohuk (Assyrian Noohadra). 25,000 Assyrians participated in a parade and enjoyed music and food. The Assyrian year begins on March 21 and is celebrated for twelve days.

Earlier in the week, authorities in Dohuk refused to give permission for the Assyrian Democratic Movement (ADM) to hold the traditional Assyrian new year's celebration but reversed their decision on March 31 after strong protests from Assyrian groups.

Pictures courtesy of Noor Matti, Ankawa, Iraq.