Sunday, March 21, 2010

Novruz Bayram

Every year on the 21st of March Azerbaijan celebrates Novruz Holiday or Novruz Bayram. It is a celebration of the Spring Equinox, which marks a start of the New Year by Muslim Calendar. Four Tuesdays prior to Novruz are considered to be very special days. They are named for the four elements: water, fire, earth and air and celebrated by trick-or-treating and lighting small bonfires at the backyards, sidewalks or on the streets. Trick-or- treating are for kids: they ring a bell, put their hats near the door and run away in order to keep their identities a secret. People who answer the door have to fill hats with candies. Bonfires are for everyone who wants to ensure good luck for the next year – you simply leap over them 7 times and you are all set.

Today the center of the city was filled with people. The platforms for the performers were built near the Maiden Tower and along the Boulevard, a small bazaar was opened in the Old City and laughter and chatter flew in the air. Most importantly, the weather changed for the best – it was sunny and relatively warm.

So, what did we see you ask? Here it goes:

"Weightlifters"



Bazaar in the Old City


Beauties From the Old Times.




Concert of the Azeri Music

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