World Baku Day (01/07)

July 1 is World Baku Day – is a holiday that does not have official status. It is not even among the official holidays of Azerbaijan. However, for several years now, thanks to the Internet, social networks, forums, initiatives and organizational efforts of Azerbaijani diasporas around the world, a holiday of people related to the capital of Azerbaijan –, Baku, has been celebrated.

Everyone knows the hospitality of the residents of the Caucasus! And the peoples living here are very friendly and united. The strong feelings of the community, belonging not only to one people and one faith, but also to one village, district or city are unusually strong. This sense of belonging also gives rise to many holiday traditions, including today’s holiday.

People born in Baku, living there all their lives or living there for some period of their lives, as well as everyone who cares about this city, memories of it, as well as those feelings and experiences that are associated with it, celebrate their holiday, considering themselves Baku residents. They congratulate each other on social networks, exchange photographs and videos, remember what the city was like before and what it has become today, rejoice at its transformation and development, give each other warm words and wishes for goodness and happiness, prosperity and peace.

Walking along avenues and streets, meetings in cafes and restaurants, bright sun and sea add warmth, fuel feelings, closely intertwining pleasant memories and the beauty of modern reality. For some, Baku – is an intricate intricacy of ancient oriental and modern architecture, for others, – are quiet streets and courtyards in which you can see men playing backgammon. Someone recalls the names of great cultural and artistic figures who were born, lived and engaged in creative activities in Baku, for whom this city became not just the Motherland, but also an inspiration. For those who associate Baku with people, that is, saying: «Baku – are the people who live in it», and even more so feel involved in this culture, World Baku Day means a lot!

The desire of people to celebrate this day, multiplied by their hospitable character, cordiality and love for their city, prompted the initiators to the idea of establishing a holiday that would unite, albeit via the Internet, and not directly, all people who consider themselves Baku residents at heart. The initiative was picked up and supported by hundreds and then thousands of people around the world, in whose soul Baku was, is and will remain a beloved city forever!

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