Azernews.Az

British ambassador to Azerbaijan, Irfan Siddiq has congratulated Azerbaijani people on Novruz holiday celebrating the coming of a new year, according to the Facebook page of British Embassy in Azerbaijan.

The ambassador said the Novruz holiday is an ancient holiday of Azerbaijan.

"Dear sisters and brothers! I cordially congratulate you on coming of spring, the Novruz holiday. I wish happiness and good health to every Azerbaijani citizen on this holiday. I know that Novruz is an old and dear holiday of Azerbaijani people. This holiday is related to Azerbaijani people's historical roots and is reach in traditions. Once again I congratulate Azerbaijani people on this wonderful holiday on my behalf and on the behalf of the British government and I wish every family to live a free and prosperous happy life in peace and security. Happy holidays!" he said.

The origins of Novruz Bayramı ("The New Day holiday" in Azeri) stem from ancient Persian culture, signifying the time when the sun enters the Vernal Equniox. The first recording of Novruz comes from a 2 A.D. Persian text, though many historians also believe that Novruz traditions go all the way back to the days of the Achaemenid Empire.

Novruz is popular in Azerbaijan and is considered the most ancient holiday on the Azerbaijani calendar.

Each year, Novruz is celebrated throughout Azerbaijan with special food, extensive spring cleaning, and traditions dating back hundreds of years.