Spring Festival (Novruz) in Azerbaijan
Known in Azerbaijan as Novruz, the Spring Festival marks the arrival of spring and is associated with renewal and the astronomical new year.[2] Azerbaijan’s Labour Code recognizes Novruz as a five-day holiday period, with the dates set annually by the relevant authority.[1]
Meaning and place in Azerbaijan
Novruz is celebrated around the spring equinox, which the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO places on March 20 or 21. Its account describes the holiday as a time to leave the old year behind and welcome the renewal of spring.[2]
Novruz is shared across several countries and was inscribed as a multinational element on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its traditions vary across communities; the customs described here are those associated with Azerbaijan.[2]
Preparations and seasonal customs
In Azerbaijan, preparations begin before the holiday. In the weeks leading up to Novruz, the Tuesdays are associated in turn with water, fire, earth and air. The final Tuesday, called Akhir Charshanba, is described as a time for cleaning the home and preparing holiday meals.[2]
Families grow samani, sprouted seeds that serve as a Novruz symbol, and may decorate eggs and light candles. The National Commission also describes children leaving hats at neighbours’ doors to receive holiday treats, and people gathering outdoors around bonfires to dance or jump over them.[2]
Food, visits and public festivities
A traditional display called a khoncha is a tray arranged with sweets, nuts, candles and other treats. The holiday table may include samani, and families and neighbours share food; pilaf is described by the National Commission as a main meal for the occasion.[2]
Public celebrations can include folk music, rope-walking, wrestling and street performances featuring the characters Kos-Kosa and Kechal. The Commission also describes visits to the graves of relatives and friends on the second day of Novruz.[2]
Holiday status and practical planning
Article 105 of Azerbaijan’s Labour Code lists Novruz as a five-day holiday and classifies it among the days off. The dates are determined and announced by the relevant authority each year. If a day off coincides with a holiday, the day off is transferred to the next working day after the holiday; authorities may also adjust working and rest days to keep them together.[1]
Novruz is associated with the spring equinox, which falls on March 20 or 21. The annual official holiday schedule gives the non-working period; check directly with banks, shops and transport providers before travelling or arranging errands.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Novruz a public day off in Azerbaijan?
Yes. Article 105 of the Labour Code lists Novruz among days off and recognizes a five-day holiday period. The dates are set annually by the relevant authority.[1]
When is Spring Festival in Azerbaijan?
Are substitute days observed?
The Labour Code says that when a day off coincides with a holiday, the day off is transferred to the next working day after the holiday. Authorities may also adjust working and rest days to keep them together.[1]
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
The Labour Code establishes the holiday period but does not specify opening times for individual businesses or transport services. Check local providers for their schedules.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Spring Festival in Azerbaijan: