The inaugural Persian Parade kicked off a New Year and the start of spring Saturday.

The parade down Madison Avenue celebrated the Nowruz season, which means New Year.

Organizers hope this will become an annual tradition here for Iranian-Americans.

The participants also hope it will go a long way to change the perception of Iranians. Many feel they are negatively associated with elements of the Arab world.

“I guess having this kind of parade just anything Iranian, showing our culture, showing what we are, I think it's the best way to get our name out,” said one parade goer.

“I think it's the first time the Iranian community has come together to form such a parade and I hope it keeps going on,” said one man.

“I think I was extremely impressed. It's the first time in 25 years I can say I'm proud to be Persian,” said another man who watched the parade.

Marchers dressed in a variety of traditional clothes. There was also different music and theatrical performances.

A number of regional and ethnic groups within Iran were also represented.