Novruz Bayram in Azerbaijan: a spring celebration of tradition and renewal
September 10, 2024
Novruz Bayram • Spring festival • Cultural celebration
Novruz Bayram • Spring festival • Cultural celebration
If you’re visiting Azerbaijan in March, you’re in for a special treat — Novruz Bayram, one of the most significant and beloved festivals in the country. Rooted in ancient traditions, this celebration marks the beginning of spring, bringing families and communities together for a time of joy, renewal, and reflection.
What is Novruz Bayram?
Novruz Bayram translates to "New Day" and is a festival with ancient origins, celebrated not just in Azerbaijan but across several countries in the region, including Iran, Central Asia, and parts of the Caucasus. Novruz symbolizes the renewal of nature, the end of winter, and the start of a new year according to the solar calendar. In Azerbaijan, it holds special importance as a national holiday and cultural event that reflects the country’s traditions, values, and love for nature.
When is Novruz celebrated?
Novruz is typically celebrated around March 20-21, which corresponds with the spring equinox. However, the festivities in Azerbaijan begin weeks before, with four Tuesdays (called "Çərşənbə") leading up to the main holiday. Each Tuesday is dedicated to one of the four elements: water, fire, wind, and earth. These symbolize the awakening of nature and set the stage for the grand celebrations.
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Traditions of Novruz in Azerbaijan
The heart of Novruz celebrations in Azerbaijan lies in a range of ancient customs and rituals that have been passed down through generations. Some of the key traditions include:
- Cleaning and decorating the home: before Novruz, it’s customary to thoroughly clean homes and decorate them with flowers, candles, and "semeni" (sprouted wheat), which symbolizes rebirth and growth.
- Jumping over bonfires: on the Tuesday before Novruz, called "Od çərşənbəsi" (Fire Tuesday), people jump over bonfires to cleanse themselves of any misfortune and prepare for a fresh start.
- Lighting candles: candles are lit in homes to honor the festival's connection to fire and light, symbolizing hope, life, and new beginnings.
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Novruz feast: a taste of tradition
One of the most exciting aspects of Novruz in Azerbaijan is the lavish feast prepared for family and guests. The dining table is arranged with traditional foods that reflect abundance and prosperity. Key dishes include:
- Plov (a rice dish with meat, dried fruits, and spices)
- Shekerbura (a crescent-shaped pastry filled with ground nuts and sugar)
- Shor qogal (saffron-flavored pastry)
- Pakhlava (sweet layered pastry with nuts and honey)
These dishes are accompanied by freshly baked bread, fruits, and a variety of sweets that are shared with neighbors and friends.
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Family and community spirit
Novruz is also a time for family gatherings and visiting neighbors. It’s customary to visit loved ones during the holiday, bring gifts, and share food. In villages and cities alike, people celebrate with music, dance, and games that bring communities together. Children eagerly participate in the tradition of "papaqatdı", where they leave hats at neighbors’ doors, hoping to receive sweets or small gifts.
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Public festivities in Baku
If you’re visiting Baku during Novruz, you’ll notice the city comes alive with public celebrations, colorful decorations, and open-air performances. The streets are filled with folk dancers, musicians, and actors reenacting scenes from Azerbaijani history and mythology. A key figure in the celebrations is Kosa (man with little or no beard) and Kechel (a bald man), who engage in playful acts that symbolize the battle between winter and spring.
Public parks and squares host events where visitors can enjoy traditional games, performances, and even sample local foods. The Maiden Tower and Old City are beautifully lit up, offering an immersive experience of Azerbaijani culture during this festive time.
Novruz Bayram is much more than a spring festival in Azerbaijan—it’s a celebration of life, nature, and togetherness. For travelers, it offers a unique insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage, filled with warmth, joy, and renewal. Whether you’re participating in the vibrant public festivities or enjoying a traditional Novruz feast, the experience of this holiday will leave you with unforgettable memories of Azerbaijan.
Images by mdjaff on Freepik
Images by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik
Images by azerbaijan_stockers on Freepik
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