International Novruz celebration in Hanoi: Azerbaijani culture introduced in Vietnam

A solemn Novruz celebration was held at the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism, jointly organized by the embassies of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in Vietnam.

The event was attended by representatives of state and government structures of Vietnam, cultural and public figures, businessmen, ambassadors of Türkiye, Pakistan and Thailand to Vietnam, representatives of diplomatic missions, members of the Vietnam-Azerbaijan Friendship Association, Vietnamese graduates who studied in Azerbaijan, media representatives and our compatriots living in this country.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Vietnam Shovgi Mehdizade, expressing his congratulations on the occasion of Novruz, noted that this holiday has a unique place in the centuries-old history of our people, is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by Azerbaijanis around the world every year, and also noted that Novruz has many similar features to the Vietnamese New Year holiday "Tet".

The diplomat, who drew attention to the fact that the foundation of Azerbaijan-Vietnam friendly relations was laid by the National Leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and the Leader of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh, noted that the development of relations between our countries in all areas in recent years is a source of satisfaction.

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Vietnam Kanat Tumysh, and the Rector of the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism Ms. Trinh Thi Thu Ha, in turn, conveyed holiday greetings and emphasized that this event played a special role in the development of friendly and cooperative relations between our peoples.

The guests of the celebration were presented with various types of Novruz sweets and khoncha decorated with semeni (sprouted wheat). Videos about the Novruz holiday and the tourism potential of Azerbaijan were shown, and our national costumes were demonstrated.

During the event, Azerbaijani chef, President of the World Barbecue Association for Asia and Eastern Europe David Israfilov presented delicious samples of Azerbaijani cuisine. The guests were served various types of kebabs, pilaf and dolma from our national cuisine.

A barbecue (kebab) competition was held between 6 teams with the participation of students from Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism, and the winners were presented with certificates and prizes.

At the ceremony, a Novruz bonfire was lit, guests held an egg fight, and danced to the sounds of national music.