However, they are still culturally repressed, their language banned, and their children forced to learn Persian in schools. There is much hostility between the Sunni Muslim Northern Kurds and the Shiite Kurds farther south. The Kurds are noted for their elaborate and colorful national costumes. The men's costumes consist of baggy, colored trousers and plain shirts with huge sleeves split at the wrist and tied at the elbow. Brightly colored vests and sashes are also worn.
Women usually wear heavy clothing that is brightly embroidered.
However, many rural Kurds have abandoned their native costumes for western style dress. The most important Kurdish national festival is the New Year celebration which is held on March 21st. This is a long ceremony that may continue for a week or more. Many specific foods and condiments are prepared in advance. Special flowers are grown for the occasion and branches covered with fresh buds are cut and made to adorn the feast.