Azerbaijan celebrates Nowruz with colorful festivities, traditional customs
A view from the Nowruz celebrations held at Fire Temple of Baku in Surakhany district of Azerbaijani capital, March 18, 2025. (AA Photo)
Nowruz, a significant holiday in the Turkic world and a symbol of the arrival of spring, is being celebrated with great enthusiasm in Azerbaijan.
Icherisheher: Heart of Baku’s vibrant celebrations
The celebrations in Baku were centered around the historic Icherisheher, attracting large crowds.
Various music groups performed on stage, and local food, clothing, and handicrafts were showcased in booths throughout the area, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Traditional performances and iconic symbols of Nowruz
Among the key symbols of Nowruz in Azerbaijan, “Kosa and Kechel” and “Bahar Kiz” performed entertaining shows that delighted the crowd. Folk dance groups filled the air with music and movement, while acrobats added excitement with their thrilling performances.
A Nowruz fire was lit in Icherisheher Square, and people gathered around to enjoy the lively festivities.
A public holiday for Nowruz and Ramadan
Azerbaijan has declared an official public holiday until March 31 in celebration of Nowruz and Ramadan. The festivities will continue throughout the holiday period, allowing people to enjoy the season’s cultural practices.
Celebrating four Wednesdays of Nowruz
In Azerbaijan, Nowruz is preceded by the “Four Wednesdays”—Water, Fire, Wind, and Earth—each with its unique customs. On Water Wednesday, families sprinkle water around their homes, while on Fire Wednesday, bonfires are lit, and individual candles are placed for each family member.
Wind Wednesday involves similar traditions, and Earth Wednesday is the most significant, where large bonfires are lit in neighborhoods, and tables with local sweets and traditional dishes are set in homes.
Traditional Nowruz customs: Fire-jumping, egg decorating, and rooster fights
Among the traditional activities during Nowruz in Azerbaijan are fire-jumping, where participants leap over flames while wishing, “May my weight and troubles stay in the fire.”
Other customs include fortune-telling with rings, egg painting, and rooster fighting, all of which add to the celebratory spirit.
