New York City hosts Persian Day Parade, a celebration of Middle Eastern cultures during tension-filled times [Video]

NEW YORK — Thousands of people took to the streets of Midtown on Sunday to highlight their Persian culture and temporarily take their minds off the tensions in the Middle East.

A sea of red filled Madison Avenue, as dancers and marchers showed off their pride at the Persian Day Parade. Many in attendance said it was a time for much-needed celebration. Ben Moosadazeh of the Long Island town of Dix Hills was holding the traditional Persian flag, with the lion and sun, an American flag, and an Israeli flag.

“To have peace with everybody. That’s all. No other message,” Moosazadeh said.

Rita Azemati made the four-hour drive from Washington D.C. to teach her daughter about her roots.

“First, they have to learn their own culture and then they can adopt other culture, American culture,” Azemati said.

History of the Persian Day Parade  

The 20th annual …