Nationwide festivities on the occasion of Novruz Holiday were held in Baku on March 19.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva and family members attended the nationwide Novruz festivities. 

The head of state, his spouse and family members first arrived at the square near the Maiden Tower and were congratulated by the children in national costume.

President Ilham Aliyev lit a bonfire and then made his remarks here.

Then the president and family members joined festivities at the Seaside National Park where they were welcomed by Kosa and Kechel, the main heroes of Novruz. Kosa and Kechel congratulated President Ilham Aliyev and his family on the occasion of the holiday.

The head of state and his family members reviewed an exhibition of fruits and vegetables growing in the blessed land of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev and his family members also viewed examples of Azerbaijani carpets. The president and his spouse Mehriban Aliyev then watched the performance of athletes at the stands dedicated to the Baku-2015 first European Games.