Cyrus may have been the last decent Iranian...
Rubbish; most of them are just fine. They have some leaders who need killin', but I've known a lot of Persians (including a fraternity brother) who were great folks and true friends of the American way.
Keep in mind that this festival celebrates the pre-Muslim glories of Persia. This would never be allowed in Iran. These are Americanized Persians, by and large, who don't care a fig for the mullahs and are glad to be here where they don't have to live under Sharia law.
-ccm