Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis/New Year 2023
What a wonderful gathering to celebrate the start of 2023! The Azerbaijan Society of Maine was very pleased to present the Celebration of International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis of the world and New Year party! ASM welcomed guests from near and far (Bangor to Biddeford, Bath to Gorham), including community members from many counties whose home now is Maine. All enjoyed an incredible atmosphere of love, friendship and belongings!
The occasion was dedicated to community-building, cross-cultural education and networking! Our event was enriched with a performance by Maestro Jeyhun, who is an Honored Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan (one of the highest recognitions) who was touring in Canada and the USA. Jeyhun is a virtuoso performer on violin, as well as a composer, arranger and singer. He says “Music has no borders, it unite hearts of people of the world.” His repertoire had songs from all over the world — Azerbaijan folk and modern songs, Turkish, Afghan, Iranian, Russian, Ukrainian, Pakistani, Italian and American.
We also enjoyed performances of our local talents Ludmila Yurchenko, originally from Ukraine, and Yilli Brekofca originally from Albania. Both were singing and performing accordion folk music from their country. Our young talent Sabina Najafova, originally from Azerbaijan, performed the national dance “Sari Gelin” and other folk dances. We also used this opportunity to build awareness of COVID vaccination and keeping ourselves and our community safe!
We had a very delicious middle eastern food from our local Falafel Times restaurant owned by an Iraqi family — they are amazing!
We are very grateful to Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine for hosting this community get-together at their facility!
Special thanks to the Board members of the Azerbaijan Society of Maine, volunteers, donors and everyone who attended in person and who was with us in the spirit! We wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2023!
Please see Facebook for photos from this festive event.
