Novruz in Azerbaijan: The Festival of Spring and Fire

Novruz celebrates the arrival of spring and the solar new year. It falls on the spring equinox, 20–21 March, and Azerbaijan has several days off. In 2009 Novruz was inscribed on UNESCO's intangible heritage list.

Four Tuesdays

Preparations start a month ahead. Each of the four Tuesdays before the holiday is dedicated to an element: water, fire, wind and earth. On the last Tuesday — Akhyr Charshanba — bonfires are lit in courtyards and everyone jumps over the flames, leaving the year's troubles behind.

The festive table

• Samani — sprouted wheat tied with a red ribbon, a symbol of nature's rebirth.
• Shekerbura, pakhlava and gogal — the must-have sweets. More in our article on sweets.
• Plov — the centrepiece of the holiday meal.
• Painted eggs, nuts, dried fruit and a candle for each family member.

Customs

Children go door to door leaving a hat or pouch on the doorstep, and hosts fill it with sweets. Girls tell fortunes by eavesdropping on neighbours. People make peace, visit relatives and try not to enter the new year in debt.

Novruz in Baku

The centre and Icherisheher host festivities with music, dancing, tightrope walkers and fairs. If your trip falls in March, it's the best time to see traditions up close.