Since 1995, March 5th is devoted to the promotion of physical culture and sports, an initiative of national leader Heydar Aliyev. A series of sporting events are held across the country on this day. 

This traditional holiday celebrates the Near Year and the coming of Spring. It became an official holiday in Azerbaijan after the collapse of the Soviet Union. After Iran, Azerbaijan celebrates this holiday the longest, with a total of five days. Celebrations involve house cleaning, tree planting, egg painting, playing traditional games, cooking national dishes, and more.