The permanent representation of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe and the delegation of Azerbaijan to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (Congress) of the Council of Europe, with the support of the Azerbaijan National Commission for UNESCO, held a cultural event on the occasion of Nowruz holiday on March 21 within the 44th session of the Congress.

APA reports that officials of the Council of Europe, representatives of the diplomatic corps in Strasbourg, members of Congress, as well as guests of the organization took part in the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, the permanent representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe, Fakhraddin Ismayilov, noted that the Nowruz holiday, passed down from generation to generation, is one of the most cherished holidays of the Azerbaijani people.

He emphasized that Nowruz expresses the arrival of spring and the awakening of nature, new hope for a more prosperous future, as well as promotes the values ​​of solidarity, mutual respect and understanding.

The permanent representative reminded that in 2010, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared March 21 as "International Nowruz Day", and in 2016, Nowruz was included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Leendert Verbeek, spoke at the event and said that Novruz is a symbol of renewal, hope and optimism as a holiday of the new year and the arrival of spring, and thanked the Azerbaijani side for sharing the ideals of this holiday.

He noted that Nowruz, as part of Europe's rich cultural heritage, also demonstrates the importance and resilience of diversity.

Anar Ibrahimov, the head of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Congress, a member of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, said that Novruz is not only a solid bridge between the past and the future, but also a symbol of the protection of common values ​​and traditions based on respect for cultural diversity, as well as its peace, harmony, solidarity and He said that he embodies prosperity.

Later, at the event, artists from Azerbaijan, Eldeniz Mammadov and Kamila Nabiyeva, accompanied by musicians Elman Sadigov (tar), Shahriyar Musayev (kamancha) and Ramil Maharramov (drums) performed Azerbaijani folk songs, classifications and examples of mugham.

At the same time, the dancers Nuray Bayramli and Ramil Bagirov performed Azerbaijani folk dances.

Nowruz sweets were presented to the participants of the event.

Taking into account that solidarity and compassion for needy people are among the traditions of Nowruz, a charity sale fair of national items and souvenirs was organized as part of the event to support the victims of the devastating earthquake that occurred in Turkey and Syria in February of this year.

In addition, on the same day, a Nowruz concert was organized in the ancient Saint-Pierre-lö-Jön church located in the center of Strasbourg.

Members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of local public circles, as well as members of the Azerbaijani community took part in the concert.

The musical program was received with great sympathy and continuous applause by the large audience gathered in the church of San-Pier-lö-Jön.