In Azerbaijan, New Year's Day is celebrated with great fervor and excitement. It is a public holiday, observed on the 1st of January, marking the start of the New Year, following the Gregorian calendar. Children and adults alike look forward to this day as it brings a fresh start, new hopes, and dreams. It's a time when families come together, share special meals, and exchange gifts, creating an ambiance of joy and celebration.
New Year's Day, or Novruz, as it is known in Azerbaijan, is not only celebrated with family meals and parties but is also marked by a host of traditional customs and practices. A unique tradition involves the decoration of a New Year's table with specific dishes that symbolize abundance, prosperity, and luck. For instance, various nuts, dried fruits, sweets, and the traditional pakhlava and shorgogal are set on the table. Additionally, a special samani - green sprouting wheat - is grown to symbolize the coming of Spring and renewal of life.
Celebrations usually begin on New Year's Eve with fireworks lighting up the sky in Baku, the capital city, and other cities across the country. Parades, theatrical performances, concerts, and festivals are common scenes, adding to the festive spirit. However, amid the festivities, Azerbaijanis also use the occasion to remember and honor national heroes who fought for the nation's sovereignty. As such, New Year's Day in Azerbaijan is not only a joyous celebration but also a deep-rooted tradition that encapsulates the national spirit and cultural values.