Top 5 Festivals in Kazakhstan: Unique Cultural Events Not to Be Missed

1. Nauryz Meyrami

The most prominent festival in Kazakhstan is Nauryz Meyrami (Photo source: Collected)

The most prominent festival in Kazakhstan is Nauryz Meyrami, which takes place on March 21 every year. This is a festival to celebrate the new year according to the ancient Persian calendar and has a special meaning for the people of Kazakhstan. Nauryz Meyrami not only marks the time of spring, when all things grow, but also an occasion for people to show solidarity and hospitality.
During these festive days in Kazakhstan, families prepare the traditional dish Nauryz Kozhe – a seven-ingredient soup symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. In addition, Kazakhs also organize activities such as traditional wrestling, horse racing and folk music performances. Cities and villages are decorated brightly, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

2. Altyn Kkhz Festival

Altyn Kkhz Festival bears the strong mark of Kazakhstan's agriculture (Photo source: Collected)

One of the festivals in Kazakhstan that has a strong agricultural influence is Altyn Kүz, or “Golden Autumn.” This is an occasion for Kazakhs to celebrate a bountiful harvest and honor farmers who have contributed to the country’s economy .
The Altyn Kkhz Festival is held in the fall with many special activities. Kazakh people will bring the freshest agricultural products to markets and fairs to exchange and buy. The festival atmosphere in Kazakhstan becomes vibrant with cooking competitions, traditional costume shows and open-air concerts. For tourists, this is a great opportunity to enjoy Kazakh specialties and explore the lives of local people.

3. Baiga Festival

Baiga is an iconic traditional sporting event (Image source: Collected)

Among the festivals in Kazakhstan, Baiga is an iconic traditional sporting event. Baiga horse racing is not only a competition but also a way for Kazakhs to show their pride in their long-standing nomadic traditions.
The Baiga Festival is usually held in the summer in the vast steppes of Kazakhstan. The best riders from all over the world will participate in this challenging race. The strong and agile horses will be carefully selected to compete on the race track that stretches for dozens of kilometers. The festival atmosphere in Kazakhstan these days is filled with excitement as thousands of spectators gather to cheer on the riders. Besides the main race, there are many other activities such as traditional martial arts performances and folk games for children.

4. Khan Shatyr Festival

Khan Shatyr Festival is held annually at Khan Shatyr shopping and entertainment center (Photo source: Collected)

Khan Shatyr is not only a unique architectural work in the capital Astana but also the name of a festival in Kazakhstan that attracts a large number of participants. The Khan Shatyr Festival is held annually at the Khan Shatyr shopping and entertainment center, which is considered one of the modern symbols of Kazakhstan.
During this festival in Kazakhstan, visitors will experience a variety of unique art programs, from music performances to creative art exhibitions. Top local and international artists often attend the event, bringing spectacular performances. In addition, the Khan Shatyr festival also has children's play areas, shopping fairs and food stalls introducing traditional Kazakh dishes. This is an event not to be missed for those who love the country's modern art and culture.

5. Chabana Festival

Chabana Festival is an event to honor the life and culture of traditional nomads (Photo source: Collected)

Festivals in Kazakhstan cannot be complete without Chabana – an event that celebrates the life and culture of traditional nomads. Chabana is usually held in the summer in the vast steppe areas, where visitors can witness the long-standing customs of the Kazakh people.
During the Chabana festival, local people will set up traditional tents (yurts) to welcome visitors. The main activities include horse riding, archery, wrestling and folk games. An indispensable part of this festival in Kazakhstan is traditional feasts with lamb, toasted bread and fermented mare's milk (kumis). The Chabana festival not only helps preserve the nomadic cultural heritage but is also an opportunity for the Kazakh people to show hospitality to international friends.
Kazakhstan is not only famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes but also for its rich festivals. Each festival in Kazakhstan carries deep cultural and historical values, from Nauryz Meyrami to celebrate the New Year, Altyn Kkhz to honor the harvest season, Baiga traditional horse racing, Khan Shatyr contemporary art to Chabana recreating nomadic life. If you have the opportunity to visit Kazakhstan, don't forget to join these festivals to fully experience the spirit and cultural identity of this Central Asian country.

Source: https://travel.com.vn/tin-tuc-du-lich/le-hoi-o-kazakhstan-v16878.aspx