Azerbaijan starts celebrating Novruz Bayram

Azerbaijan starts celebrating the holiday of Novruz Bayram, which symbolizes the coming of spring and the awakening of nature. Nine days, starting from March 20 till March 28, are announced as days off on the occasion of the holiday.

In accordance with the tradition, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev lit a rejoicing bonfire at the Maiden's Tower in the old town in the centre of Baku.

"The Novruz holiday that originates from the deepest layers of our distant past worthy preserves the cultural wealth of the Azerbaijani people," Ilham Aliev has said. According to the Azerbaijani President, this spring holiday "is one of the masterpieces of world heritage, which gives pride to every Azerbaijani."

The Azerbaijani President has recalled that this year, the spring holiday is taking place on the eve of the first European Games in Baku. Ilham Aliev has expressed his hope that the country will welcome the European Games with traditional hospitality.

The official ceremony of opening of the Baku Olympic Stadium held on March 18 was timed to Novruz Bayram. The Stadium is designed for 68,000 seats, and on June 12 and 28, it is to host the ceremonies of opening and closing of the Games and competitions in athletics.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.