Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The Centenarians' Creativity Festival organized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry was held in Lerik region of Azerbaijan on September 8.

This festival was held for the first time in Azerbaijan, famous for its long livers.

The event was attended by Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev, First Deputy Minister Vagif Aliyev, Head of Lerik Executive Power Rovshan Bagirov, Culture and Tourism Minister employees, Lerik and other regions' public members, art figures from Baku and media.

Addressing the event, Abulfaz Garayev greeted all the guests noting that this event is held in Azerbaijan for the first time. He said the festival will turn into a tradition in the future.

"Lerik is the edge of centenarians," he said. "I wish every Azerbaijani citizen live long and we can hold several similar events each year."

The minister also noted that such kind of events promote Azerbaijani regions and paves the way for tourist influx not only to Baku, but also the regions.

"Holding this festival promotes our republic as centenarians edge. It is aimed at identification and stimulation the potential of centenarians and strengthening regional cultural exchange," Garayev added.

Rovshan Bagirov, in turn, said this region is famous for being centenarians' homeland throughout the world.

"The only museum dedicated to centenarians is operating here. Taking into consideration the importance of strengthening tourism potential of the region, we chose Lerik as the place of holding the event," Bagirov said.

Then, the participants demonstrated their abilities: Some performed Mugam, Ashig music and some demonstrated dancing abilities. Those who put on display their crafts and fine art works were distinguished with their diversity. Book, photo and painting exhibitions were also held during the festival.

There were participants aged over 70 years old who came from different regions of Azerbaijan: Lankaran, Balakan, Ismailli, Lerik, Astara, Masalli, Yardimli, Jalilabad, Bilasuvar and Salyan to declare that in spite of their age, they have not lost their talent.

Meanwhile, the delicious Plov (national meal, made from rice) Festival delighted everyone with diversity of taste and smell. Some 33 kinds of this yummy dish from eight regions including Lerik, Masalli, Jalilabad, Salyan, Astara, Yardimli, Bilasuvar and Balakan were highly estimated by the juries and guests.

The winner of the Plov Festival became cook Haji Zarrup from Lerik, whose plov's taste would be remembered for a long time by the guests. The winners of the second and the third places were cooks from Masalli and Jalilabad, respectively.

The winners were awarded by medals, diplomas and prizes presented by the sponsors of the festival.

The supporters of the festival, Lerik Executive Power, "Relax" rest center, "Millennium" Tourism Company, "Azersun Holding" and "Septr" company were awarded by special diplomas from the National Center for cooking.

The guests of the festival also watched a film called "A life that does not fit in a century", produced by "Salnama" studio.

The event ended with the performances of Mugam singers and entertainment program of Sumgayit State Musical Comedy Theatre actors.