On 21–22 March, Turkmenistan celebrates its National Spring Festival – International Nowruz Day. The main celebrations are taking place at the ‘Nowruz ýaýlasy’ (Nowruz Valley) venue in the Ak-Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat, reports AsmanNews.

The events are attended by representatives of the Government, the Mejlis, ministries and departments, public organisations, diplomatic missions and international bodies, as well as the country’s residents. More than 220 foreign guests from around 30 countries have arrived for the festival.

Nowruz is included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival brings together traditions, rituals, music and elements of contemporary art.

Concert programmes and theatrical performances are taking place at the venue. Themed areas have been set up featuring national yurts, farmsteads and elements of traditional life.

In his congratulatory address, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the significance of the holiday and highlighted the country’s achievements since independence, as well as its development in key areas.

The festive events are attended by residents from all regions of the country and are accompanied by cultural performances.