Novruz holiday, an ancient folk festival that has absorbed the culture, national and spiritual values of the Azerbaijani people, has been celebrated in Washington.
The Novruz festival jointly organized by Azerbaijan`s embassy to the US and representation of the State Oil Company in this country was held in headquarters of the World Bank.
The event gathered officials of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, the US government, diplomats accredited in Washington, as well as Azerbaijanis living here.
Addressing the festival, Ambassador Elin Suleymanov spoke of Novruz, saying the holiday, which marks the coming of a new astronomical year and the reawakening of nature, has always been the Azerbaijani people´s most cherished holiday. Novruz is celebrated every year on 20-21-22 March, from the moment of the vernal equinox. But according to tradition, people begin to prepare for this holiday from the last month of winter, continue the holiday celebrations with the arrival of the equinox and carry on celebrating into the New Solar Year.
The diplomat also touched on cooperation between the World Bank and Azerbaijan, as well as the country`s way of development during past years.
Executive Director of the World Bank Jorg Frieden hailed cooperation between the organization and Azerbaijan, and highly appreciated Azerbaijan`s achievements in reducing poverty in the country.
Following the official part, talented pianist Emil Afrasiyab played pieces of music of famous composers. Azerbaijan`s national dances performed by Nomad dance group was met with great interest.
Participants also tasted examples of Azerbaijan`s national cuisine, including shakarbura and pakhlava.

AzerTAc