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“On Saturday Baku celebrates unofficial annual Flower Festival, which has been marked since 2000 in Baku and other cities and regions in the memory of the late President Heydar Aliyev. The festival starts on May 10, the birthday of Heydar Aliyev, and lasts for several days,” writes Azerbaijani news agency Turan.

As the article reports, traditionally, in the days of the festival in the park named after Heydar Aliyev in front of the Central Bank colorful compositions of rare flowers brought to the country are exhibited.

Originally the festival was held on 11 May, after the birth of the President of Azerbaijan. Since 2004, the festival is held exactly on the birthday of Heydar Aliyev. It should also be noted that originally the festival was held on the Baku Boulevard, the main venue where citizens and guests have a rest.

By tradition, today Aliyevs’ family is the first to see the exposure, and only then the citizens and guests of the capital. Unlike the previous years, the authorities hide the information on the amount of funds spent on this holiday, how many flowers and from what countries they have been imported. Last year, the chief executive of the city, Hajibala Abutalibov revealed the reporters secrets of delivery of tons of flowers on the holiday, Turan writes.

“Special freighter delivers flowers from Brazil. Countless flowers were brought from Italy, Holland, France, Turkey, China," said Abutalibov.

At the same time, he did not mention the volume of flowers and their cost. However, according to official data, 150 tons of flowers were delivered. In 2013, 116 tons of flowers were delivered from many countries.

“The authorities do not disclose the amount spent on the holiday, and the sources from which funds are paid. In 2007, the mayor's office called figure of 15 million dollars. In 2009, the then deputy Gular Ahmadova, called at the parliament’s session the figure of 14-15 million dollars,” the article reads.

The agency notes that in recent years, the Mayor Abutalibov refuse to mention the amount spent on holiday. "Heydar Aliyev is priceless, therefore I do not think of funds. We did not bring as many flowers as he deserves,” the mayor stated at last year's festival.

“Just a week ago in Holland, the home of flowers, took place the 67th parade of flowers. In contrast to Baku, where the product is presented by importers, on this parade designs decorated with the best Dutch florists are displayed. Their work can be seen in real time. The theme of the parade changes each year. This year, it was called "Energy." As befits a true holiday parade is completed by electing a winner,” the article reads.

The agency notes that the Dutch festival organizers see it as challenging, promotional activities for domestic flowers. What does stimulate the Baku holiday: "Love to Heydar Aliyev?" But it is impossible to lay a way to the hearts of people by flowers imported from distant Brazil, Turan sums up.