Syrians in Damascus celebrate New Year by the 6,766 year-old Syrian calendar

From SANA, April 2
Damascus, Syria- Activities of the Syrian Heritage Festival (AKITO) started Friday in Damascus

Celebrating Akito, which is the oldest celebration written in the Near East history, is an indication that we are living here for more than 6700 years and we are the builders of a civilization that in its history is even deeper than that; Aleppo civilization dates back to more than 12,600 years and Damascus more than 10,000, minister of tourism Bishr Yazgai said. Akito festival is another proof that Syrians are adherent to their land, civilization and roots, the minister added.

The 3-day festival includes a number of social, sport, handicrafts, exhibitions, plastic art and various popular folkloric activities in different locations in Damascus including Takiyaeh Suleimaniya, al-Jala’a sports hall, Tishreen park, Meskiyeha roundabout and Dama Rose hotel.

Syrian singer Reber Waheed celebrated the first day of activities with a number of songs, particularly about Syria in all its languages, which he sang in seven languages. He said that Akito proves that Syrians are highly interested in reviving their heritage and folklore, which represent a challenge to terrorism ...

For her part Mai al-Sileh, Damascus tourism manager, said that the aim of the festival is to shed light on the Syrian heritage and Syria’s role in civilization since Akito represents the ancient Syrian calendar, which dates back to 6766 years ago.

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