President Ilham Aliyev joined nationwide festivities on the occasion of Novruz holiday
Nationwide festivities on the occasion of the national holiday of the people of Azerbaijan, Novruz, have been held in Baku.
As every year President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva joined the Novruz festivities.
The head of state and his wife arrived at the square in front of the Maiden Tower.
Boys and girls dressed in national costumes presented a khoncha (Novruz tray) to the Azerbaijani President, and congratulated the head of state and his wife on the occasion of Novruz holiday.
Fighters carrying swords and shields reminiscent of Azerbaijan`s ancient history stood on the walls of the Old City and in the square.
Dada Gorgud gave his blessing and expressed hope for the spring holiday to bring abundance to the Azerbaijani people.
President Ilham Aliyev lit the Novruz bonfire.
The head of state made a speech.
Then President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva had a walkabout in the National Seaside Park.
President Ilham Aliyev and his wife were welcomed by key characters of Novruz – Kosa and Kechal.
Kosa and Kechal congratulated President Ilham Aliyev and his wife on the occasion of Novruz holiday.
President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva watched a holiday concert.
The head of state and his wife then viewed a fair organized by the Ministry of Agriculture on the occasion of Novruz holiday.
President Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva viewed the samples of Azerbaijani carpets.
The President and his wife also viewed a stand reflecting the UEFA European Under-17 Championship to be held in Baku on May 5-21. The head of state and his wife were presented with the tickets to the opening ceremony of the championship.
Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, Speaker of Milli Majlis Ogtay Asadov, head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev and other officials also participated in nationwide festivities on the occasion of the national holiday.
