On March 20-21, during the vernal equinox, Novruz was celebrated in Azerbaijan, as in some other eastern countries, an ancient holiday that marks the beginning of spring.
Noruz is largely said to be the New Year holiday of Zoroastrians
Although some modern Azerbaijani scholars dispute this version and argue that Novruz has Turkic roots, and that it has nothing to do with Zoroastrianism.
One way or another, in Azerbaijan it is one of the most beloved holidays, and was usually celebrated at even the state level - with festivities, fairs, theatrical performances, concerts and tightrope walkers.
They were preparing to do the same in the spring of 2020.
But all the festivities had to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first time this has happened in decades.
According to official data, as of March 21, 53 cases of coronavirus infection had been recorded in Azerbaijan. One of the patients died, ten recovered. Baku is closed for entry from the regions, local residents are advised to stay at home.
Therefore, the holiday was held in the strangely empty central streets of Baku.
There were no walking crowds, no tourists - thousands of Iranians usually came to Baku for Noruz. In previous years, roasted chestnuts were sold throughout the city. And fast food merchants flourished in the spring of 2019.
True, the city was still decorated for the holiday, but it was scenery on half-empty streets.
Novruz is already considered a family holiday. And many celebrated it at home.
Baking traditional sweets with nuts, cooking pilaf, dressing the honcha - a dish with festive pastries, nuts and dried fruits, lighting candles and putting sprouted grains of wheat - seed on the table.
One of the Tuesdays before Novruz, according to tradition, people jumped over fires.
