President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attend the public festivities on the occasion of Novruz Holiday

Public festivities took place in Baku in connection with the Azerbaijani people’s national holiday – Novruz, March 19.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the festivities.

The Head of the State and the First Lady first came to the square before the Maiden Tower.

The Spring girl presented samani to the President.

Great Dada Gorgud gave blessings and wished the Novruz Holiday brought daily bread to our people.

President Ilham Aliyev lit up the Novruz bonfire.

The Head of the State addressed the festivity.

Then, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva arrived at the Seaside National Park.

The Head of the State and the First Lady were greeted by Kosa and Kechal - basic characters of Novruz Holiday.

 Kosa and Kechal congratulated the President and his spouse, and cracked eggs with the Head of the State.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva watched a festive concert.

The Head of the State, the First Lady and other participants of the public festivity became familiarized with the Bazaar organized on the occasion of Novruz Holiday.

Here are demonstrated produces cultivated in the rich Azerbaijani soil. In the fair, actively joined by regions, along with the capital, are presented handicrafts, artwork examples, and various produces of our national cuisine, in addition to agricultural produces.

Reflecting our people’s ancient traditions, values and household, the stands arranged in the National Park made the festivity more colourful. Performances of amateur groups representing various districts of the country, and works of art were welcomed with much interest. On the other side, athletes were wrestling, sportsmen showing their abilities. In the festivity, where ancient popular arts inherited by the young generation from our great grandfathers are demonstrated, various sweet samples - symbols of Novruz Holiday – are also showcased.

President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and other participants of the festivity watched these scenes with great interest, saw samples of ancient popular art, Azerbaijani carpets, performances of wrestlers, and listened to performances of “Neneler”, “Rafti” and “Avasor” folk amateur groups, “Natig” Rhythm Group, ashygs, and a group of “Oyug” Theatre-studio under the Azerbaijan State Puppet Theatre.

Being entertained to a tea table, the President and the First Lady tasted various examples of our national cuisine.

27 postage stamps related to our national cuisine have been prepared on the occasion of Novruz Holiday.

The President and the First Lady signed and sealed the postage stamps.

The Head of the State and the First Lady watched exemplary performances of calisthenics, aerobics, acrobatic and sports gymnasts at the stand of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation.

Cycling is one of the sports types that have experienced rapid development in the recent years. The commencement of ISMA Bikes bicycle production factory in Ismailli district in August 2016 stimulated the development of this sports type in the country. There is great demand for the bicycles manufactured in this factory both inside and outside of the country.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva viewed bicycles manufactured in ISMA Bikes factory.

President Ilham Aliyev was presented the first ticket to the world championship on BMX bike to be held in Azerbaijan during June 5-9, 2018.

Judo is also distinguished among the sports types experiencing development the recent years. World championship on judo will take place in Baku during September 20-27. Some 800 sportsmen from about 150 countries will take part in the championship.

The Head of the State was presented the first ticket to the Judo World Championship.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva watched also performances of sportsmen on belt wrestling.

A special stand was made, at the popular festivity, by “Azermarka” Limited Liability Company of the Ministry of Transport, Communication and High Technologies, dedicated to Novruz Holiday.

The Head of the State and the First Lady signed and sealed the first stamp dedicated to Novruz Holiday, by which, this stamp, having gained a historical significance, was put into circulation through “Azerpost” LTD.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met with representatives of “Baku City Circuit” Operation Company.

The Azerbaijani President delivered his holiday wishes to Baku residents and guests of the capital who came to see him and have a festive walk in connection with Novruz Holiday.

Chairperson of the National Assembly Ogtay Asadov, head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev and other officials attended the popular festivity in connection with Novruz Holiday.

The festivity continued with a colourful concert programme with participation of masters of art, and folk artists.