The nationwide festivities on the occasion of Novruz holiday took place in Baku on March 19.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva joined the festivities.

The president and his spouse first arrived at the square in front of the Maiden’s Tower.

Children, dressed in national costumes, presented khoncha (a tray with sweets, nuts fruits and dyed eggs on) to President Aliyev and congratulated the president and his spouse with the holiday.

Warriors carrying swords and shields reminiscent of Azerbaijan's ancient history stood on the fortress walls of the Old City and in the square.

Dede Gorgud gave his blessing and wishing the Novruz holiday to bring abundance to the Azerbaijani people. Children in national costumes performed dances on the square.

Art masters sang songs glorifying the spring and Azerbaijan, which created good mood in the participants of the nationwide festivities.

President Ilham Aliyev lit the Novruz bonfire, and then delivered a speech. Afterwards, the president and his spouse visited the National Seaside Park.

The president and his spouse were met there by the key characters of Novruz – Kosa and Kechal, who congratulated the president and his spouse on the occasion of Novruz holiday.

As part of the festivities, the president and his spouse got acquainted with the Novruz fair organized by the country’s Ministry of Agriculture.