Trick or treat (Qashoq-zani) in Shiraz

The ritual is part of Chaharshanbe Suri, a fire festival in the tradition of Iran’s ancient Zoroastrian religion whose adherents believed in the duality of light (good) and darkness (evil). By lighting bonfires in the streets at the end of the last Tuesday of each year and jumping over them, Iranians sing and chant, “Let your ruddiness be mine, my paleness be yours.” No Chaharshanbe Suri would be complete without fireworks.