National festivities were held on the occasion of the Novruz Holiday, a national holiday of the Azerbaijani people  in Baku, March 19.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva attended the Novruz festivities.

The Head of the State and his spouse first arrived at a square before the Maiden Tower.

Children dressed into national garments presented holiday khonchas (a tray filled with different sweets and fruits) to the President of Azerbaijan. Children congratulated President Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva on the Novruz Holiday.

The President lit a Novruz bonfire.

The Head of the State and his spouse came to the Seaside National Park. Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the festivities. Having viewed the festivities, the President and his spouse acquainted themselves with samples of carpets being displayed here.

The Head of the State  and his spouse were greeted by Kosa and Kech­al, the main characters of the Novruz holiday.

Performances of members of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation were viewed. President Ilham Aliyev wrote his heartfelt words into the Federation’s Guests Book.

Products grown in various regions of the country, samples of handicraft, as well as dishes of Novruz cuisine related to various regions were demonstrated at the "Oriental Bazaar" arranged in the National Park. The President of Azerbaijan and his spouse tasted kebabs baked on a charcoal, had tea with holiday sweets.

The Head of the State and his spouse listened to performances of amateur groups and viewed masteries of young athletes.