Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

Winter holidays in the City of Winds are simply magical. The chill in the air is just enough for red noses. The city streets are decked out in shimmering lights and dazzling displays of ornaments.

At the same time, New Year pine tree was installed in the Fountain Square on December 1.

The holiday season in Baku can't begin until charity fair "Cold hands, a warm heart" has arrived at public square. Here you can buy New Year's souvenirs and try popular street food.

With the support of the Nargis Fund, a festive fair was opened here, and by tradition all collected funds will go to charity. More than forty fairy wooden huts invite you to buy gorgeous souvenirs and try delicious food.

The curious thing is that most people at the fair are going to the bookstore.

"The best gift for the New Year is a book. We offer books with a 90 percent discount, only for a symbolic one manat!," said seller of the "Ganun" publishing house.

The hut "Chelebi" sells cups based on the paintings of national artists, and in the neighboring hut the masters present Armudu glasses with national ornaments.

For those who are serious and motivated to care for their skin health and its beauty, "Gazelle" Cosmetic Company offers natural skin care products.

"We represent cosmetics on the basis of natural products such as persimmon, feijoa, pomegranate, which are all associated with Azerbaijan," said company's consultant.

Restaurants and pastry shops delight food lovers with a snack in the open air. In addition to national food such as qutab and kebab, guests enjoy fried chestnuts, spiral potatoes and much more.

Despite the cold weather, they drink not only hot tea or coffee, but also natural pomegranate juice, which is squeezed right before their eyes.

As it gets darker, large groups of people, children and adults gather on the street.

Guests of the holiday are waiting for the beginning of the next concert in the open air.

Numerous gala concerts, pranks, souvenirs, gifts and prizes are waiting for the guests of the fair until January 15.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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