Another important part of Navruz are pageants. Similar to how you might see or participate in a Christmas pageant at your church, or act in a school play, here in Tajikistan, children and students put on elaborate public performances to celebrate Navruz. These performances are meant to celebrate the end of winter and the rebirth of nature. Everyone dresses up in traditional clothing to perform dances, play musical instruments, sing and recite poetry for people in their communities. At every pageant, a Malakai Navruz, or Navruz Princess, is crowned by her community. This young girl is meant to represent the beauty, abundance and freshness of spring.
Navruz is all about the environment! Not only is the whole point of the holiday to celebrate the end of winter, new spring growth and the coming of warmer weather and greener fields, but Tajiks also celebrate the holiday by going hiking and having picnics. On Navruz, people here recognize that a 'new day' has come at last: after months of cold, snow and meager food, Tajiks can finally look forward to warm spring breezes, fresh fruit and the blossoming of new life.
