Azernews.Az

BAKU – Azerbaijan’s leading cellular operator Azercell supported events promoting the culture and arts of Azerbaijan in the United States on the eve of Novruz holiday.

On March 25, the Rhythms of Azerbaijan concert was held in Lincoln Theater of Washington.

The first part consisted of drum music performed by Natig Rhythmic Group, while the second one featured jazz improvisation of Azerbaijani folk songs performed by RAST band.

The concert was held in the framework of Azerbaijani Heritage Week and organized by US Karabakh Foundation. The major task of this Diaspora organization is to promote Azerbaijani arts in America.

Also, an opportunity to celebrate Novruz holiday was created with the support of Azercell for a group of Azerbaijanis living in the U.S. Thus, on March 31, over 300 guests gathered to celebrate the holiday in the historical Glenview Castle of Maryland where famous Azerbaijani men of art performed for visitors. Besides Azerbaijanis living in the U.S., Americans listened with great appreciation to the live performance of an Azerbaijani kemancha (musical instrument) virtuoso and watched national dances performed by Silk Way Dance Group.

During the event organized in early spring, guests witnessed the traditions of Novruz. They tasted samples of national cuisine and sat at a tea table full of sweets. Americans also watched the tradition of jumping over the bonfire.

This event was organized by Azerbaijan Trade and Culture Center under the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce.

Novruz is celebrated on March 21, the day of the vernal equinox, by more than 300 million people worldwide. It has been marked for more than 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions.